After Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna, head coach Carlo Ancelotti openly criticized the officiating, believing key decisions went against his team. The result extended Madrid’s winless streak in La Liga to three matches, with several controversial referee calls overshadowing the game.
Ancelotti’s main frustration stemmed from VAR’s lack of intervention in three potential penalty incidents. He pointed to fouls on Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, as well as a handball by Osasuna’s Alejandro Catena in the penalty area. Expressing his disbelief, Ancelotti stated, “The referee booked me after I told him there was a handball in Osasuna’s penalty area and that he should have checked VAR… Maybe they turned it on later.”
The match took a major turn in the 39th minute when Jude Bellingham was shown a straight red card for allegedly using abusive language toward referee José Munuera Montero. Both Bellingham and Ancelotti insisted that the incident was a misunderstanding, arguing that Bellingham’s words were not directed at the official but were merely an expression of frustration.
Adding to the controversy, Osasuna was awarded a penalty early in the second half after VAR reviewed Eduardo Camavinga’s foul on Ante Budimir. The striker converted the spot-kick, leveling the match after Kylian Mbappé had given Madrid an early lead. Ancelotti questioned the inconsistency, noting how VAR was used to benefit Osasuna but ignored in critical moments for Madrid.
This is not the first time Ancelotti has voiced concerns over refereeing standards in La Liga. Frustrated by recent decisions, he remarked, “I believe there were things that happened in these last three games that everyone has seen.”
Despite the draw, Real Madrid remains at the top of the La Liga standings with 51 points, narrowly leading Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. As the title race tightens, Ancelotti’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between Real Madrid and La Liga officials, increasing calls for more consistent refereeing decisions.
