Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa did not hide his frustration on Sunday night after the referee handed a straight red card to midfielder Federico Valverde during the heated derby against Atlético Madrid.
Arbeloa Tells Referee: “You Will See It Later” After Valverde Dismissal
The drama unfolded in the second half of a tense capital clash. Valverde had earlier given Real Madrid a spark with another fine goal, continuing his excellent run of form.
However, his evening took a shocking turn following a challenge on Villarreal’s Álex Baena.
As Baena attempted to dribble away from pressure in midfield, Valverde chopped him down with a poorly timed tackle.
🚨 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: VALVERDE GOT A STRAIGHT RED CARD FOR KICKING HIS OPPONENT FROM BEHIND! pic.twitter.com/LhEaK9FASG
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) March 22, 2026
Initially, players and fans expected a simple yellow card for the foul. Instead, referee José Luis Munuera stunned the Santiago Bernabéu by reaching into his pocket and producing a straight red, sending the Uruguayan international for an early bath.
The decision left the Real Madrid bench in disbelief. Valverde stood on the pitch with a bewildered expression, while teammates surrounded the official to protest the call.
Arbeloa, who oversees the first-team setup, made his feelings clear when the referee approached the sideline to explain the decision.
In a moment captured by television cameras, Arbeloa pointedly told the official: “You will see it later! You will see it later.”
The manager’s remark served as a clear suggestion that the red card was a mistake—one that the referee would only recognize after reviewing the footage post-match.
The sending-off overshadowed what had been a competitive derby and left Real Madrid to battle their city rivals with ten men for the final stretch of the game.
Valverde’s dismissal also carries potential consequences for upcoming fixtures, pending any appeal from the club.
While the full replay may indeed show the incident differently, the damage was already done on the night.
Real Madrid now await the official referee’s report, but the immediate reaction from Arbeloa and the club made it clear: they believe justice was not served in the capital derby.
