Real Madrid took Jorge Visquez to CTA. Image: ESPN shared via X.
(The Post News)– The Comite Tecnico de Arbitros (CTA) has admitted that referee Jorge Figueroa Vazquez made a mistake in sending off Real Madrid’s defender, Dean Huijsen, during the latest league game. This admission has sparked anger among fans, raising fresh questions over officiating standards in La Liga.
The decision to dismiss Huijsen in the second half left Madrid with ten men and changed the course of the match. But after reviewing the incident, the CTA confirmed that the red card was given in error. The flashpoint came when Huijsen was judged to have fouled an opponent as the last defender. Vazquez immediately produced a red card, believing a clear goal-scoring chance had been denied. However, replays showed that Eder Militao was close enough to intervene, meaning the foul did not meet the standard for a sending-off.
CTA Says the Referee Misinterpreted the Situation
Within hours of the final whistle, analysts and former referees criticized the call, and Madrid lodged an appeal to overturn Huijsen’s automatic suspension. In a rare move, the CTA admitted the decision was wrong. “The referee misinterpreted the situation,” officials said, adding that the challenge should have resulted in a yellow card at most. The committee conceded that the red card “altered the competitive balance of the match.”
This admission has fueled debate over refereeing consistency in Spain, where high-profile mistakes have drawn heavy criticism from clubs and supporters. Reports quickly surfaced suggesting that Vazquez could face suspension from upcoming match appointments. However, the CTA has made no official statement confirming disciplinary action. Traditionally, referees who make serious mistakes are sometimes dropped from the roster for a round or reassigned to lower-profile fixtures.
For now, Vazquez remains under fire, while speculation continues to dominate headlines. Real Madrid reacted strongly, with officials describing the decision as deeply frustrating. The club hopes the appeal will clear Huijsen’s record and ensure he is available for selection in upcoming fixtures.
Supporters also expressed outrage on social media, with many accusing referees of inconsistency and calling for reforms such as the public release of VAR audio recordings. The Huijsen incident adds to a growing list of controversial calls in La Liga this season. From questionable penalties to disputed VAR interventions, Spanish football has faced repeated accusations of poor officiating.
Pundits argue that greater transparency, stronger referee training, and better use of technology are urgently needed to restore confidence in the league’s officiating system. While the CTA’s admission of error is unusual and may be seen as progress toward accountability, it leaves unanswered questions about how referees are held responsible.
Real Madrid’s focus remains on overturning the red card and avoiding further damage to their campaign. However, Spanish football’sbigger challenge is rebuilding trust in its officials after yet another refereeing controversy.
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