Real Madrid Appeals Huijsen Red Card Suspension Amid Referee Controversy

Real Madrid is preparing to appeal the red card shown to defender Dean Huijsen during their 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad, arguing that the dismissal was unjustified since teammate Eder Militao was close to the play and the ball was not under control, disputing the referee's claim of a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Manager Xabi Alonso and the club cite admissions from the Technical Committee of Referees that the red card was an incorrect decision, although VAR did not intervene as it was not deemed a clear and obvious error. Despite optimism from Real Madrid about overturning the suspension, reports indicate that the appeal faces significant challenges due to regulations that uphold referees' reports unless video evidence clearly contradicts them. The club is also compiling a dossier of refereeing decisions to submit to FIFA, highlighting ongoing concerns about officiating standards in La Liga. Huijsen's suspension currently rules him out of the upcoming match against Espanyol, and with another centre-back, Antonio Rüdiger, sidelined due to injury, the appeal's outcome is crucial for Real Madrid's defensive lineup. The situation underscores Real Madrid's continuing frustration with refereeing decisions this season and their proactive approach to seeking greater accountability.