Real Madrid’s controversial derby defeat to Atletico Madrid has produced another refereeing talking point after footage of a potential Marc Pubill handball resurfaced on social media.
The incident involving the Atletico defender was not highlighted during the live broadcast, but a side-on replay circulating on Monday has sparked fresh discussion over whether Real Madrid should have been awarded a penalty.
It is to be remembered that the Madrid derby was already dominated by debate over the decisions involving Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee, making this incident even more questionable.
Pubill handball sparks fresh penalty debate
As per MARCA, the incident occurred during the second half when Kylian Mbappe attempted to shoot from the left side of Real Madrid’s attack.
Sabéis en qué minuto ocurrió esto? Pubill recibió amarilla en el 35’. 0 repeticiones vimos. pic.twitter.com/t50p1diJ1X
— Fanáticos Real Madrid (@Fanaticos_RMCF) September 21, 2026
The ball travelled towards Pubill, who initially had both hands behind his back. As the shot approached, however, the Atletico defender appeared to bring his hands forward, with the ball striking him inside the penalty area.
As such, no penalty was awarded and the moment attracted little attention during the match itself, although it seems Real Madrid players did appeal for handball.
Moreover, the television broadcast did not show a replay, meaning the incident passed largely unnoticed until footage began circulating online after the game.
The available side-view angle has now prompted Real Madrid fans to question whether the handball should have been reviewed.
Another controversial moment involving Ortiz Arias
Match referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias was called out by Real Madrid for his officiating. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Pubill incident comes after other refereeing decisions became major talking points during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.
Real Madrid had already questioned the handling of the incidents involving Romero and Kang-in Lee, with the latter escaping a red card after his challenge on Federico Valverde.
The Romero incident also required a VAR review after the wrong player initially received the yellow card.
Referee Ortiz Arias was already under scrutiny at the Santiago Bernabeu before the derby because of concerns surrounding his appointment for such a high-profile fixture, and this footage has only added to the debate among Madrid fans.
Real Madrid legend lashes out at team after Atletico defeat: ‘The problem isn’t the referee’
Claude Makelele, Real Madrid and France legend
Claude Makelele, Real Madrid and France legend
Real Madrid’s defeat to Atletico Madrid last evening brought to the fore several of the team’s deficiencies, primarily with respect to the lack of a clear game plan.
Los Blancos were uninspiring on the night once again, and while they conveniently deflected the blame onto the refereeing, they were second-best even when there were twenty-two players on the field.
Real Madrid’s form on the road has been largely poor this season, and the defeat to Atletico Madrid marked their second defeat away from home, thus taking them six points behind Barcelona.
Heading into the international break, Jose Mourinho has a lot to think about as there are several urgent fixes required if the team are to remain competitive throughout the course of the season.
Makelele’s thoughts
Speaking to the media in a recent interaction via GOAL, former Real Madrid player and club legend Claude Makelele explained what was lacking in the current team under Jose Mourinho and why the team were struggling.
Mourinho has a big problem to solve. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“There is no understanding between the players, or between the players and the coach. Mourinho needs to talk to them.”
He then elaborated on the fact that the team lack inspiration on the field and how the team have to do far better.
“The team is weak, there’s no game plan or clear ideas. There’s absolutely nothing. We have to demand more from them.”
Finally, he lashed out at the team for hiding behind the excuse of refereeing and stated firmly that retrospection was far more important at this point in time.
“The problem isn’t the referee; there’s a clear deficiency in the team.”
A need to own up
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Serious retrospection needed. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s instinctive idea to deflect the blame of Sunday’s defeat on the referee may have some merit, but it largely comes across as a means to cover up a glaring issue that requires fixing.
There is, thus, a serious need for the team and management to reflect and own up to their flaws, for the mark of a great team lies in identifying their setbacks.
As stated by Makelele, Real Madrid’s primary issue this season is their lack of unity, creativity and a game plan – and all eyes will be on Jose Mourinho to see how he addresses the same.
After all, the manager has been strongly backed by the board, and it is now his time to deliver results.