Mbappé Sparks Huge Controversy in Spain After Real Madrid’s Victory

A dramatic incident during Real Madrid’s clash with Girona has dominated headlines in Spain, sparking outrage across the footballing world. Kylian Mbappé, who scored in the game, found himself at the center of a heated debate over a controversial moment that could have drastically changed the match’s outcome.

On Saturday night, Real Madrid secured a vital win against Girona, closing the gap on league leaders Barcelona to just two points with a game in hand. Mbappé’s goal was crucial, but his performance was overshadowed by his teammate Jude Bellingham, whose influence on the match remains undeniable. However, the real talking point was a contentious handball incident involving Mbappé just before halftime.

Having already been booked earlier in the game, the French superstar controlled the ball with his hand while charging toward the goal. Despite loud protests from Girona players and fans, referee Jesús Gil Manzano deemed the handball unintentional and refrained from issuing a second yellow card. This decision has since divided opinions, with many accusing the referee of favoring Real Madrid.

The Catalan press was particularly scathing, with Sport referencing a similar incident earlier in the season where Antonio Raillo of Mallorca was sent off for an identical offense. Mundo Deportivo conducted a poll revealing that 78% of fans believed Mbappé should have been sent off. Even Madrid-based outlets like AS expressed concern, stating, “Mbappé played with fire in this reckless moment.”

To quell the uproar, former referee Eduardo Iturralde González explained that the rules had evolved over the years, suggesting the decision might align with updated regulations. Meanwhile, Antonio Mateu Lahoz, another respected referee, offered a more cautious perspective, stating that the offense warranted a card only if there was clear intent to deceive. “In this case, the action appeared harmless,” he concluded.

Despite these explanations, Catalan fans and media remain unconvinced. Many believe the lack of consistency in officiating has tainted the integrity of the league. The incident has reignited debates about referee bias, particularly accusations of favoritism toward Real Madrid in critical moments.

As the controversy rages on, Mbappé’s actions and the referee’s decision will undoubtedly remain a topic of heated discussion, further fueling the already fierce rivalry between Madrid and Catalonia.