There are now major fears for La Liga referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez after he sent off three Real Madrid players during Xabi Alonso's side's 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo on Sunday.
An “out-of-control” refereeing performance doomed Los Blancos, who now sit four points behind league leaders Barcelona after 16 matches.
Inexperienced Sweden international Williot Swedberg scored twice at the Bernabeu - his first coming in the 54th minute and his second deep into injury time - to seal a historic victory. They were his first two league goals of the season and proved crucial in giving Os Celestes their first away win at Real Madrid since 2006.
But in a league defined by refereeing controversy and constant accusations of corruption between the country’s top clubs, Celta Vigo’s win quickly became the smallest talking point. Endrick, Alvaro C arreras, and Fran Garcia were all sent off, another six yellow cards were shown, and several further warnings were issued.
Reports suggest the career of referee Alejandro Quintero may be in danger after his erratic handling of the match over the weekend. There are even rumours that he could be demoted to Spain's Second Division because of his performance, which would be the first step toward removing him from the firing line - similar to what often happens in the Premier League.
However, more concerning is that a man in a suit approached the referee just 20 seconds after the final whistle, allegedly standing only a step away while making remarks. He is said to be Carlos Megia Davila, Real Madrid’s arbitration delegate and the husband of Yolanda Parga, the current CTA representative within the RFEF.
Real Madrid's power, even at a decision-making level, cannot be underestimated. For years, the rest of Spanish football has felt that the perennial Champions League winners have influenced the way La Liga is run, and the quiet demotion of Gonzalez could be further proof of their stranglehold over all levels of the RFEF.
The referee issued six yellow cards to Real Madrid players, with the most baffling going to Jude Bellingham, who was booked for entering the pitch “without authorisation” despite the fourth official giving him permission, as per Managing Madrid. He had only left the field to clean blood from a head wound caused by an unpunished elbow from Borja Iglesias.
Fran Garcia was sent off after receiving two yellows within a minute for reckless tackles. Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, and Alvaro C arreras were all booked late on for dissent, and C arreras’ own dismissal in the 90th minute came after he told the referee: “You’re terrible,” a phrase that summed up the whole mood.
Another notable incident involved Endrick, who was dismissed from the bench. Quintero Gonzalez stated in his report that the young Br azilian ran toward the fourth official shouting aggressively and had to be restrained by Real Madrid staff. Tensions continued after full-time, with Dani Carvajal confronting the referee in the tunnel and Xabi Alonso also among those cautioned.