Rodri backs debate over potential red cards at Metropolitano

Barcelona star and Spain international Rodri has given his view on the refereeing controversies that have followed last weekend’s Madrid derby at the Metropolitano.

Atlético Madrid edged Real Madrid 2-1 in a game decided by goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David, but the result has been overshadowed by two first-half challenges that Real Madrid insisted should have been straight red cards.

The pair in question were identified in the coverage as Atléti duo Lee Kang-in and Cristian Romero, both of whom were alleged to have toe the disciplinary line with challenges that sparked a fierce post-match debate across the Madrid divide.

Speaking to COPE this week, Rodri was asked about the fallout from the derby and offered a measured assessment of the incidents.

"I think Cuti’s is more difficult because I don’t know whether he can pull his foot away or not, and maybe Kang-in Lee’s, which I honestly don’t think he did on purpose, maybe that one could have been a red. I think referees can make mistakes sometimes."

The Barcelona summer arrival’s comments add to the ongoing chatter surrounding Diego Simeone’s side, with opinion continuing to vary as fans from both sides plead their cases over whether Atlético should have been reduced to 10 men during the crucial derby clash.