January 23, (THEWILL) – The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has filed a complaint with the police after audio footage was leaked of conversations between referees during the recent La Liga match between Real Madrid and Almeria. The controversial 3-2 win for Los Blancos featured several questionable refereeing decisions that benefitted the home side.
The leaked audio features referee Francisco Jose Hernandez Maeso and video assistant referee (VAR), Alejandro Hernandez debating whether Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr should have been red-carded for an off-the-ball clash. This confidential conversation between officials was somehow obtained and distributed without authorisation.
An RFEF statement declared: “The RFEF considers the leak of this material to be extremely serious and hopes to quickly determine who was responsible.” The governing body has launched an internal inquiry into the security breach.
The illegally obtained footage has sparked further outrage over the perceived favouritism towards Los Blancos. Real initially trailed 2-0 before a disputed goal and penalty helped them complete an unlikely comeback against the division’s bottom side.
There was also a disallowed Almeria strike deemed offside by VAR despite protests that the technology was again favouring Real Madrid unfairly. The capital club cemented their victory with a last-gasp injury-time winner. After this latest refereeing furore, the RFEF finds itself under intense scrutiny amid accusations of foul play.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
