Federico Valverde of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
It has been a couple of days since the controversial Madrid derby, which Los Blancos lost 2-1, and discussion still surrounds some of the refereeing decisions on the night.
Jose Mourinho made it very clear after the game that the referee had cost them, even bringing out pictures of challenges he believes should have resulted in red cards for Atletico.
Fede Valverde’s immediate reaction to Kang-in Lee’s controversial challenge during Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid has now emerged.
Valverde demands an explanation
Footage circulating after the match shows Valverde confronting the referee following the tackle and demanding to know why Kang-in had escaped further punishment.
“Did you see it? Aren’t you going to punish him?” Valverde could be heard asking the referee.
🗣️ "Eh, lo viste, ¿no lo vas a amonestar?"
Valverde pedía tarjeta roja al árbitro tras sufrir la entrada de Kang-in Lee 🟥#ElDERBIenDAZN #LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/06P1GGO5Aq
— DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) September 22, 2026
The reaction is particularly notable given what happened to the Madrid midfielder afterwards. Valverde attempted to continue despite the heavy contact around his left ankle.
It was then confirmed that the Real Madrid captain had suffered severe trauma to his ankle and that it had swollen like a ball.
The midfielder is now expected to spend a few weeks on the sidelines, with a grade-three sprain being confirmed.
Valverde would have been better off staying on the ground
As quickly as Valverde sprang back to his feet to confront the referee, he may have been better off staying on the ground.
The speed at which the Uruguayan recovered after the tackle almost seemed to downplay its severity.
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Fede Valverde might have been better off staying on the ground after Kang-in Lee’s tackle.. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Had he stayed on the ground holding his ankle, though, there is a very good chance both the referee and the VAR would have become involved in making a decision.
While punishments for harsh challenges should not directly depend on a player’s reaction, it does go a long way towards making the case.
Unfortunately for Madrid, though, Kang-in Lee escaped unscathed, and Dean Huijsen was sent off some time later, putting them on the back foot.
The derby has once again brought the refereeing in La Liga back into the spotlight, and it remains to be seen whether there is any improvement on this front in the coming months.
Michael Olise, Bayern Munich player
Michael Olise, Bayern Munich player
Michael Olise, Bayern Munich and France player
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Michael Olise of France
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