Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has accused referees of making regular errors that hurt his side
There was a controversial incident in late in the game between Real Madrid and Girona when Kylian Mbappe appeared to be struck in the face by defender Vitor Reis inside the penalty area.
Referee Javier Alberola waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa was furious and has subsequently criticised the match officials for what he feels what a huge error. Madrid drew 1-1 to leave a massive dent on their hopes of catching Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
“For me it’s a penalty from here to the moon,” Arbeloa said. “I don’t understand it, and I don’t think anybody does. You know my opinion [about referees], and the facts maintain it.
“It’s an action which is very clear for me. There’ve been a lot of these for us, with referees like this one, and also last week in Mallorca. It’s the same as always.”
Madrid took the lead early in the second half through Federico Valverde, but Girona responded 11 minutes later with an equaliser from Thomas Lemar. The draw leaves Madrid six points behind leaders FC Barcelona, who also have a game in hand.
Los Blancos are now winless in three matches, following the league defeat to Mallorca and the 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
“To win we have to give 200 per cent,” Arbeloa said in reference to his team’s performance. “We can’t win at 90 per cent, or at least not always. If you want to have more security against teams you’re superior to, you have to give 200 per cent, otherwise accidents like this can happen.”
