Atletico Madrid center-back Robin Le Normand has echoed the sentiments of his teammate and coach Diego Simeone, asserting that Gerard Martin’s red card should have been upheld during their 2-1 loss to Barcelona. After a VAR review, the official opted to reduce Martin’s initial red card offense to a yellow.
Post-match, Simeone remarked that there was “little more to add” and that the match officials “made a mistake.” Le Normand’s critique aligned closely with his manager’s, with the defender expressing even stronger disapproval. He was specifically questioned about Hansi Flick’s perspective that the incident did not warrant a red card.
“Naturally, he’s going to defend that it wasn’t a red card,” Le Normand stated, “but I believe it’s absolutely evident to anyone who understands and plays football. If I committed the same foul, I have no doubt I would be sent off. I’m truly puzzled by what transpired; I simply don’t comprehend the decision.”
Le Normand’s Disappointment with the Referee’s Conduct
Reflecting more broadly on the referee’s performance throughout the match, Le Normand expressed a sentiment that the official’s conduct did not contribute positively to the overall flow of the game.
“No, as everyone witnessed,” he commented, “he didn’t engage with anyone today, not even our captain. Any attempt to communicate with him was met with a yellow card. From my perspective, his officiating actually escalated the match’s intensity. Everyone is capable of making errors, and he certainly did.”
Le Normand also noted that in their earlier fixture against Real Madrid, what he described as “officiating details” similarly disadvantaged Atletico’s side.
“Everyone is aware of those incidents [referring to decisions made against them in the Real Madrid game],” he remarked. “I won’t reiterate them, but these are significant details that carry considerable impact.”
Anticipation for the Barcelona Champions League Quarter-Final
Shifting focus to their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Barcelona, scheduled for Wednesday, Le Normand conveyed his team’s enthusiasm for the fixture.
“We always prepare with maximum energy,” he explained, “but there’s no sense of revenge fueling us; our sole focus is to prepare thoroughly to win the match.”
“We’re incredibly excited,” he continued. “Today, we’re very disappointed, but we will regroup. The truth is, we demonstrated significant energy and played well.”
While Barcelona are widely considered favorites for the upcoming tie, Le Normand asserted his belief that Atletico approaches the competition as equals.
“We’ve proven in both the Copa del Rey and La Liga that we belong here,” he concluded, “showing immense desire, energy, and talent. We are very much looking forward to Wednesday.”
