Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has voiced strong criticism of La Liga referees following his team’s draw against Real Betis, stating that the league has a “serious problem” with officiating. The stalemate at La Cartuja allowed Barcelona an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. Arbeloa was particularly displeased with the call that led to Hector Bellerin’s equalizer in the final minute of the match.
Post-match, Arbeloa described a challenge on Ferland Mendy in the build-up to Bellerin’s goal as “very clear.” He elaborated, “Yes, for me it’s very clear. It doesn’t take much to destabilise the body at times, and you go to ground. For that, you need to understand football, and there we have a serious problem, above all with the people that have to make these decisions. They don’t know, nor do they understand.”
This marks the fourth time in six games that Real Madrid has conceded a goal in stoppage time. Arbeloa expressed his disappointment, stating, “Another disappointment in the final minutes, which has happened to us many times, and which I don’t think we deserved. We had chances, we had a penalty in the first half, that could have sealed the match.”
‘If We Had a Clear Reason, We’d Correct It’ – Arbeloa
When questioned about the team’s recurring late defensive lapses, Arbeloa offered no specific explanation, saying, “If we had a clear reason, we would correct it. And when you have such tight results, these situations can happen, and it’s also true that we’re not having much luck.”
Another point of discussion was Kylian Mbappe’s substitution with ten minutes remaining, reportedly at his own request. Arbeloa was unable to provide an update on the player’s fitness, stating, “I don’t know, no idea. He had discomfort. And we’ll see how he progresses in the coming days.”
‘These Decisions Have a Big Effect on the Games’
Returning to the officiating, Arbeloa specifically highlighted a handball appeal in the first half, insisting that the refereeing had been decisive. He asserted, “For me, it’s a clear penalty, with the hand out, from a Brahim shot. I don’t know what else you could want. And then the last one, when Mendy has won the position, and if they touch you a little, if they grab you. These are all decisions that have a big effect on the game.”
Real Madrid is scheduled to face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium next Sunday night at 21:00 CEST, followed by El Clásico the subsequent Sunday in Barcelona.
