La Liga's Top 18 Controversial Referee Decisions of the Season
**La Liga's Top 18 Controversial Referee Decisions of the Season**
The 2022-23 La Liga season has been one of the most dramatic and controversial in recent memory, with referees playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the campaign. From massive decisions in El Clásico to last-minute rulings in derbys, the season has been defined by moments where the referees' whistles have sparked outrage, celebration, or confusion. Below, we countdown the top 18 most controversial referee decisions of the season.
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### 1. **The Free-Kick that Defined El Clásico**
In the first leg of the 2022-23 El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, referee Alejandro Hernández made a highly contentious decision. A potential offside by Madrid's Jude Bellingham in the box seemed to go unpunished, leading to a goal for Karim Benzema. However, the real controversy came when Hernández awarded Madrid a free-kick in an advantageous position, which led to another goal for Benzema. This decision was widely criticized, with many fans and pundits questioning the referee's consistency.
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### 2. **The Penalty Decision Against Real Madrid**
In a match against Valencia, Real Madrid's Rodry Goeyens was involved in a controversial penalty decision. A Valencia player went down in the box under minimal contact, and the referee pointed to the spot. Goeyens, who was already on a penalty streak, converted the spot-kick to secure the points for Madrid. However, many believed the contact was slight, and the decision was seen as a poor one, further frustrating Madrid's already tense relationship with referees.
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### 3. **The Red Card That Silenced the Camp Nou**
Barcelona's away game against Rayo Vallecano was marred by a controversial red card decision. Barcelona midfielder Gavi was shown a red card after a challenge on Rayo's Brajan Ceballos, which left Ceballos with a serious injury. The referee's decision led to a wave of protests from Barcelona fans, who felt the punishment was too harsh. Gavi's absence proved pivotal as Barcelona struggled in his absence, ultimately losing key matches.
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### 4. **The Handball Decision Against Barcelona**
In a high-stakes match against Bayern Munich, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski was involved in a controversial handball decision. A Bayern player claimed Lewandowski handled the ball in the box, but the referee initially ignored the calls. After a video review, the referee reversed his decision and awarded Bayern a penalty, which was converted by Lewandowski himself. The incident sparked a heated debate about the use of VAR and the referees' consistency.
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### 5. **The Nostradamus Decision in the Seville Derby**
The Andalucía derby between Sevilla and Real Betis was one of the most intense matches of the season. A Sevilla player went down in the box under minimal contact, and the referee pointed to the spot. Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos converted the penalty, but the decision was highly questionable, with many fans and analysts questioning the referee's judgment. The penalty proved to be the game-changer as Sevilla held on for a vital win.
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### 6. **The Red Card Against Getafe's Enes Unal**
In a match against Osasuna, Getafe's Enes Unal was shown a red card for a tackle on Osasuna's Rubén Garcés. The tackle appeared to be late but not particularly dangerous, leading to widespread criticism from fans and pundits. Unal's suspension proved costly as Getafe's form collapsed in his absence, leading to a slide down the table.
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### 7. **The Controversial Red Card Against Valencia**
Valencia's match against Real Sociedad was overshadowed by a controversial red card for Carlos Soler. Soler was involved in a challenge that left Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo with a serious injury. The referee initially showed Soler a yellow card but, after a VAR review, upgraded it to a red card. The decision led to an angry reaction from Valencia fans, who felt the punishment was excessive.
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### 8. **The Free-Kick That Saved Real Madrid**
Real Madrid's match against Athletic Bilbao was a rollercoaster game. A controversial decision by the referee awarded Madrid a free-kick deep into stoppage time, which was converted by Benzema to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw. The free-kick was granted after a marginal offside decision, which left many questioning the referee's consistency.
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### 9. **The Penalty Decision Against Getafe**
In a match against Almería, Getafe's attempts to secure a vital win were cruelly ended by a controversial penalty decision. Almería's Alex Calero went down in the box under minimal contact, and the referee pointed to the spot. Almería's Luis Rioja converted the penalty, sending Getafe crashing out of the Copa del Rey. The decision was widely condemned as incorrect, with many fans and analysts calling for a review system.
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### 10. **The Red Card Against Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas**
Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas was sent off against Osasuna for a challenge on Facundo Roncaglia. The referee's decision was highly contentious, as the contact appeared to be minimal. Aspas' suspension proved costly as Celta Vigo's already struggling campaign took a hit, leading to further fan frustration.
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### 11. **The Handball Decision Against Real Betis**
Real Betis's match against Espanyol was marred by a controversial handball decision. Espanyol's Javi Fdez went down in the box, and the referee initially ignored the calls. After a video review, the referee reversed his decision and awarded Espanyol a penalty, which was converted by Fdez. The decision led to a wave of protests from Betis fans, who felt the referees were favoring Espanyol.
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### 12. **The No-Goal Decision Against Barcelona**
Barcelona's match against Villarreal was full of drama. A Villarreal striker's effort was ruled out for offside after a tight decision by the referee. The call was widely debated, with many feeling the striker was onside. The decision prevented Barcelona from taking a vital lead, leading to a tense and ultimately nervy victory for Villarreal.
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### 13. **The Penalty Decision Against Real Madrid**
Real Madrid's match against Getafe saw another controversial penalty decision. Getafe's Enes Unal went down in the box under minimal contact, and the referee pointed to the spot. Unal converted the penalty, securing a vital win for Getafe. The decision was seen as harsh by Madrid fans, who felt the contact was not sufficient for a penalty.
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### 14. **The Red Card Against Osasuna's Ante Kuljancic**
Osasuna's Ante Kuljancic was shown a red card for a challenge on Getafe's Jorge Molina. The tackle seemed late but not particularly dangerous, leading to widespread criticism from fans and analysts. Kuljancic's suspension proved costly as Osasuna's form collapsed in his absence, leading to a slide down the table.
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### 15. **The Free-Kick Decision Against Sevilla**
Sevilla's match against Real Betis was a fiery encounter. A Betis player went down in the box, and the referee initially pointed to the spot. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and the Betis player was only awarded a free-kick. The referee's inconsistency led to further debate about the use of VAR in the league.
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### 16. **The Controversial Red Card Against Real Sociedad**
Real Sociedad's match against Mallorca was overshadowed by a controversial red card for Rubén Díaz. Díaz was involved in a challenge that left Mallorca's Luis Rioja with a serious injury. The referee initially showed Díaz a yellow card but, after a VAR review, upgraded it to a red card. The decision led to an angry reaction from Real Sociedad fans, who felt the punishment was excessive.
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### 17. **The Penalty Decision Against Valencia**
Valencia's match against Real Madrid was a high-stakes encounter. A Real Madrid player went down in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Madrid's Benzema converted the penalty, securing a vital win. The decision was seen as controversial by Valencia fans, who felt the contact was minimal.
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### 18. **The Red Card Against Almería's Samu Costa**
Almería's Samu Costa was sent off against Barcelona for a tackle on Robert Lewandowski. The referee's decision was highly contentious, as the contact appeared to be minimal. Costa's suspension proved costly as Almería's already struggling campaign took a hit, leading to further fan frustration.
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### Conclusion
The 2022-23 La Liga season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with referees playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. These 18 controversial decisions have sparked debates, protests, and heated discussions among fans, underscored by the unique dynamics of Spanish football. While referees are tasked with maintaining order on the pitch, their decisions have often been met with a mix of outrage and admiration, making this season one to remember for all the drama!
