Spain's Technical Committee of Referees said Atletico Madrid's Lee Kang-In should have been sent off after a challenge on Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, while confirming the decision not to issue a red card to Cristian Romero. The admission comes from a committee meeting held on the day of the derby.
Spain's Technical Committee of Referees concluded that Lee Kang-In, the Atletico Madrid midfielder, should have received a red card for a high‑impact tackle on Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde during Sunday’s Madrid derby. The committee’s statement, released on September 22, 2026, acknowledged that the referee’s decision to keep Lee on the pitch was a mistake and that the incident met the criteria for a dismissal under the current Laws of the Game.
At the same time, the committee defended the match officials’ choice not to send off Cristian Romero, Real Madrid’s centre‑back, after a separate challenge. Officials argued that Romero’s action did not constitute violent conduct and therefore did not warrant a red card. The committee’s backing of this decision underscores the nuanced interpretation of fouls in high‑stakes fixtures, where the threshold for a sending‑off can vary depending on the perceived intent and severity of the challenge.
The admission has sparked discussion among clubs and fans about consistency in officiating. Atletico Madrid’s management is expected to appeal for a review of the incident, while Real Madrid’s camp has welcomed the committee’s support for Romero. The refereeing body indicated that it will use the case as a teaching point for officials ahead of upcoming fixtures, aiming to improve decision‑making consistency in future derbies.