Real Madrid Files Formal Complaint Over Refereeing in Espanyol Loss

The club alleges officiating errors and demands structural reform and transparency in Spanish football refereeing.

Real Madrid submitted a formal complaint to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Sports Ministry after their 1-0 loss to Espanyol on Saturday.
The club criticized decisions including a yellow card for Espanyol's Carlos Romero, which they argue should have been a straight red for a foul on Kylian Mbappé, and the disallowance of a Vinícius Júnior goal.
Madrid's board described the refereeing as a 'scandal' and called for the release of audio from referee and VAR conversations during key incidents in the match.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed hope that the complaint could lead to systemic changes in Spanish refereeing, which he said lacks credibility.
The controversy comes as Madrid faces an injury crisis in defense and prepares for critical upcoming matches, including a Copa del Rey quarterfinal and a derby against Atlético Madrid.