Referee Controversy: Espanyol vs Real Madrid Match Officials Sidelined

The controversial La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid has resulted in immediate consequences. Muñiz Ruiz, the match referee, and Iglesias Villanueva, the VAR official, have been sidelined and will not officiate in the upcoming Copa del Rey knockout stages.

The Technical Committee of Referees has announced the officials for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, notably excluding Muñiz Ruiz and Iglesias Villanueva. Initially, they were slated to oversee the Atlético Madrid vs Getafe match. However, following the weekend’s events, the assignments have been altered.

Typically, referee appointments are determined by Medina Cantalejo, Daudén Ibáñez, and Puentes Leira, and are only changed due to injuries or disciplinary actions. This recent modification suggests a form of sanction against Muñiz Ruiz and Iglesias Villanueva. The Atlético Madrid-Getafe match will now be officiated by Guillermo Cuadra Fernández and González Fuertes, while Javier Alberola Rojas and Daniel Trujillo Sánchez will oversee the Leganés-Real Madrid fixture.

The controversy surrounding the Espanyol-Real Madrid match has gained significant attention, particularly due to a complaint video published by Real Madrid on their social media platforms. The decision to sideline the two officials is the latest development in this ongoing issue, which is likely to have further repercussions.