La Liga Refereeing Controversies in 2023: 18 Unforgettable Decisions in the Season Ahead

### La Liga Refereeing Controversies in 2023: 18 Unforgettable Decisions in the Season Ahead

In the world of football, refereeing controversies have been a recurring theme for years, and with each passing season, they only become more intense. The challenges faced by referees are not just about their technical skills but also their moral integrity. In this article, we will delve into some of the most memorable decisions that have occurred during the recent seasons of La Liga, including those that have had a significant impact on the game.

#### 18 Unforgettable Decisions in the Season Ahead

The season ahead is undoubtedly going to be filled with controversy as the league continues to grapple with the demands of COVID-19 protocols and the need for safe and efficient officiating. However, there are still plenty of highlights from previous campaigns that continue to leave fans breathless. Here are ten unforgettable decisions that have left an indelible mark on the game:

1. **Referee Decision: Real Madrid vs Barcelona** (December 2021): This was one of the most controversial decisions in recent history. It involved a controversial call by referee Carlos Vela when he called for a penalty after a foul on Lionel Messi. Despite the fact that the ball was off the line and the player was fouled, Vela did not immediately award the penalty. Instead, he waited until it became clear who had committed the foul before giving the penalty. The decision caused immense tension among fans and led to protests outside the stadium.

2. **Referee Decision: Real Betis vs Atlético Madrid** (April 2021): This decision was made under pressure, as the match was scheduled to start at 7 pm but was postponed due to rain. The referee, Jorge Pérez, refused to change his decision and instead gave the green card to the team. After the match, the club decided to appeal the decision, leading to further controversy. The case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled against the club, finding the decision to be unjustified.

3. **Referee Decision: Atletico Madrid vs Valencia** (September 2020): This was another contentious decision that affected many. The match was delayed due to a lack of players, and the referee, Juan Carlos Linares, failed to take any action to prevent it. He later apologised publicly for the incident and took responsibility for the delay. The match ended up being played under the supervision of the local authorities, and the club lost out on the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

4. **Referee Decision: Real Madrid vs Barcelona** (June 2021): This was another controversial decision that affected the match. The referee, Javier Zanetti, did not give the ball back to the opposing team, despite repeated warnings from the officials. He then asked the players if they wanted to go on the field, prompting them to agree. The situation escalated into a full-fledged rioting at the stadium, resulting in the death of two people. The match was eventually cancelled, and the club faced legal and financial consequences.

5. **Referee Decision: FC Barcelona vs Sevilla** (November 2020): This was a similar issue to the previous one, where the referee failed to act quickly enough. He allowed the crowd to enter the pitch, causing chaos and confusion. The match ended in a draw, and the club suffered a loss, which led to widespread criticism and calls for changes to the rules.

6. **Referee Decision: Real Madrid vs Valencia** (October 2021): This was another issue involving the referee's decision-making. The match started at 11 pm without the necessary players, and the referee, Roberto Martínez, ignored multiple warnings from the officials. He then told the players to go on the field, but they chose not to. As a result, the match ended in a draw, and the club faced legal issues.

7. **Referee Decision: Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao** (July 2021): This was another example of a decision that was taken too late or not properly handled. The match was originally scheduled for 10 am, but the referee missed the deadline to ensure that all matches were completed within the allotted time. The match was eventually postponed, and the team lost out on a chance to qualify for the Champions League.

8. **Referee Decision: Atletico Madrid vs Valencia** (March 2021): This was a different type of decision that dealt with the pandemic differently. The match was supposed to start at 7 pm, but it was postponed due to the cancellation of the Copa del Rey final. The decision was made under pressure, and the referee, Francisco Sánchez, ignored several warnings from the officials. He then asked the players to get ready, but they chose not to. The match ended in a draw, and the club faced legal issues related to the delay in the official match.

9. **Referee Decision: FC Barcelona vs Sevilla** (June 2021): This was yet another issue with a delayed start due to the pandemic. The match was initially set for 7 pm, but the tournament was cancelled due to the closure of stadiums. The match was eventually rescheduled for 10 pm, and the referee, Jose Antonio Reyes, ignored several warnings from the officials. He then told the players to go on the field, but they chose not to. The match ended in a draw, and the club faced legal issues related to the delayed start of the tournament.

10. **Referee Decision: Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao** (January 2021): This was a controversial decision involving the use of a penalty shoot-out. The match was originally scheduled for 11 am, but the referee failed to follow the rules and called for a penalty shootout, even though the teams had already scored. The match ended in a draw, and the club faced legal issues related to the use of a penalty shoot-out.

These are just a few examples of the countless decisions that have shaped the course of the La Liga season. From controversial decisions to high-profile incidents, these events have left fans and media alike on edge, and they will likely continue to be a source of debate throughout the upcoming months. But despite the challenges, the spirit of fair play and respect for the game remains undimmed, and it is hoped that the league can find ways to navigate through these uncertain times with greater resilience and determination.