Real Madrid penalty and Cancelo red card? Referees' committee delivers verdict

Spain's Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) has carried out a thorough review of the most controversial incidents from the recent Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Los Blancos claimed a 2-1 away victory in a fixture filled with contentious refereeing decisions.

The first incident assessed was a potential penalty for Real Madrid following an alleged handball by Alejandro Balde. During the match, referee Martínez Munuera deemed the defender's arm to be in a natural position. The referees' committee fully supported his call, confirming no foul had occurred: "Balde and Mbappé are contesting the ball together. It strikes the defender's arm purely by accident. The arm is in a natural position given the dynamics of the movement."

The second key talking point was a challenge in which Cancelo fouled Diomande. According to the refereeing body's assessment, the attacking player was driving forward in possession, and Cancelo made partial contact with his leg without excessive force or brutality. However, the committee concluded: "The action was reckless, and the referee should have issued a yellow card."

At the time of the incident, Real Madrid had even appealed for a straight red card for Cancelo.