Gil Manzano will whistle Madrid-Atlético del Bernabéu as tension rises in the capital
In Madrid, there is little patience for the latest twists in the season’s refereeing narrative. Amid the ongoing Negreira case spotlight and following a controversial Copa del Rey match that left Atlético de Madrid unhappy with Soto Grado’s officiating, it has emerged that the Referees’ Committee has appointed Gil Manzano to oversee the upcoming league clash between Real Madrid and Atlético at the Bernabéu.
The Atletico camp reacts with disbelief. If there is a referee who draws the most criticism from the rojiblancos, it is Gil Manzano. Their view of his past decisions looms large, with several incidents already engraved in the club’s memory. The pairing of Atlético and Manzano has long sparked worry among supporters and pundits alike.
Disciplinary actions against Joao Félix and Gabi at halftime
Manzano previously sent Joao Félix off in a league match against Athletic Club at the Metropolitano. Félix had accumulated numerous fouls and was sent to the locker room following a clash that involved Unai Vencedor, provoking a chorus of protests from the home crowd. The stadium’s response was loud and clear as the referee left the pitch amidst sustained whistle-chanting. It was also Manzano who sent Gabi, then Atlético captain, off at halftime during a 2015 Copa del Rey meeting with Barcelona, a fixture remembered for its high tension and a controversial finish that ended Atlético’s run. The match featured moments that became part of Madrid’s football lore, including a notable incident when Arda Turan threw a shoe toward an assistant referee, an action that did not result in a penalty in that game.
Contested handball in Seville not validated by the on-field decision
Manzano was the officiator in a title-race encounter when Simeone’s side visited the Sánchez Pizjuán. Atlético Madrid felt aggrieved after a clearly evident handball by Lucas Ocampos occurred in the buildup to a Sevilla goal. The play continued, and Sevilla claimed the points. The episode prompted debate about whether the call should have been whistled and whether a VAR review would have altered the outcome. The incident remains a reference point for discussions about refereeing in big matches.
Disciplinary action involving Diego Costa
In another high-profile refereeing scenario, Manzano was the official when Diego Costa faced dismissal in a match against FC Barcelona, following incidents that Costa contested. The ensuing sanction included a lengthy suspension that featured multiple components tied to actions during and after the dismissal, sparking discussions about severity and consistency in punishment. The broader context featured strong opinions from supporters on both sides of the rivalry and raised questions about refereeing standards in heated league encounters.
Note: The above summaries reflect widely circulated match histories and refereeing decisions that have been part of the football discourse surrounding Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid over the years. The aim here is to provide a balanced view of history and current expectations for the next derby at the Bernabéu.