Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
The recent match between Real Madrid and Espanyol was not just notable for the home team’s impressive 4-1 victory; it was also marked by significant tension between the referee, Jose Luis Munuera Montero, and several Real Madrid players.
This tension particularly involved Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, all of whom found themselves cautioned with yellow cards for protesting decisions made by the referee.
In fact, there were moments when the situation escalated to the point where some players seemed at risk of being sent off. Mbappe faced the embarrassment of receiving his first yellow card for his new team during this match.
The incident occurred roughly thirty minutes into the game when the French forward vehemently protested a call. He initially thought he had been penalised for a foul against Leandro Cabrera, only to later realise that he had actually been flagged offside.
His reaction to the decision was one of frustration, and he made his feelings clear to the referee, which resulted in a warning. The referee’s response to Mbappe was stern, indicating that such protests were viewed as disrespectful.
“It’s a lack of respect, I’ll give you a card for that disrespect,” said the referee as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Mbappe could have been sent off
The situation escalated further in the second half. Vinicius ignited another wave of protests during the match. In this heated moment, Mbappe joined in, voicing his concerns alongside his teammate.
This collective dissent put him in a precarious position, as his earlier yellow card meant he was on the brink of a potential red card.
The television coverage captured the tense exchange between Mbappe and Munuera Montero, who warned him that he was taking a risk.
“You’re taking a risk, Kylian,” the referee informed the Real Madrid forward.
As the players reflect on this match, they will undoubtedly consider how to handle similar situations in the future. The balance between expressing frustration over officiating and maintaining composure on the field is delicate, especially in high-stakes matches like this one.
