Real Madrid News
Real Madrid TV launches new refereeing criticism by dragging Lamine Yamal into the debate: ‘Extremely lenient with violent fouls’
Real Madrid may have begun the 2026/27 La Liga season with three points, but their opening weekend was followed by a familiar controversy away from the pitch.
Following the win over Espanyol, Real Madrid TV returned to one of its most debated themes: refereeing decisions involving the first team.
This time, the club’s official television channel focused on the treatment received by Vinicius Jr. and drew a direct comparison with Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
The basis of their argument was that Vinicius was repeatedly fouled without Espanyol players being punished with yellow cards, while Lamine Yamal received greater protection in a comparable situation.
Vinicius at the centre of refereeing complaints
Real Madrid’s opening-day victory came after a late goal by Carlo Espi secured all three points, but the match was far from short of tension.
Vinicius was involved in several heated moments with Espanyol players and supporters, while Real Madrid TV closely analysed the referee’s decisions throughout the game.
One incident in particular caught the attention of the club’s channel. An early challenge from Cala on Vinicius was highlighted as a potential yellow-card offence in the third minute.
Real Madrid TV was critical of referee Sanchez Martinez for allowing play to continue without a booking, arguing that the decision set the tone for the rest of the match.
The channel said: “Sanchez Martinez did not show him the yellow card.
“This was the first major decision of the referee from the city of Murcia, and he would continue along this approach, alongside Figueroa Vazquez in the video assistant referee technology.”
Real Madrid TV went further, accusing the match officials of being too lenient with challenges on Vinicius.
It claimed the officials were “extremely lenient with the violent fouls committed by Espanyol’s players, especially those to which Vinicius was subjected.”
According to the channel, several of the challenges on the Brazilian appeared designed to “take him out of the match’s atmosphere,” but did not result in the cards Real Madrid felt were deserved.
Real Madrid TV brings Lamine Yamal into the debate
The most eye-catching part of the video came when Real Madrid TV compared Vinicius’ treatment with that of Lamine Yamal.
The Barcelona forward was used as an example to question the consistency of refereeing decisions in La Liga.
Real Madrid TV pointed to an incident involving Yamal in which an opposition player was shown a yellow card after a slight tug on the youngster.
The channel then contrasted that situation with the repeated fouls Vinicius suffered against Espanyol.
“Lamine’s fouls are penalised with a yellow card at the slightest contact,” the channel claimed.
Lastly, Real Madrid TV also argued that Cala should have received a red card for a later challenge on Alvaro Carreras.
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
