Justice for Real Madrid! Referee and VAR Responsible for Dean Huijsen Red Card at Real Sociedad to Be Stood Down
Real Madrid have been handed hope in their pursuit of challenging the state of refereeing in Spanish football. According to MARCA, it is understood that the Video Assistant Referee from Saturday's game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as on-field referee Gil Manzano, will have to bear the consequences after the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen.

Justice for Real Madrid! Referee and VAR Responsible for Dean Huijsen Red Card at Real Sociedad to Be Stood Down

Madrid’s Patience Runs Out with Spanish Refereeing

Few topics ignite debate in Spanish football quite like refereeing decisions. Real Madrid, the most decorated club in Europe, have once again found themselves at the heart of controversy following their narrow 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Anoeta. While three points were secured, the match was overshadowed by the contentious dismissal of young defender Dean Huijsen in the 32nd minute.

Now, both the on-field referee, Gil Manzano, and the Video Assistant Referee, Figueroa Vázquez, are set to face the consequences. According to reports from MARCA, Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) will sideline those responsible, a move that offers Los Blancos a glimmer of vindication in their long-running battle with refereeing standards in La Liga.

What Happened at Anoeta?

The game was finely balanced when Huijsen was shown a straight red card for what Manzano judged to be a dangerous challenge. Real Madrid players protested furiously, with replays suggesting the decision was harsh at best, and flat-out incorrect at worst.

What infuriated Madrid most was not only the speed of the dismissal but the lack of VAR intervention. The system was designed precisely for such moments—when a referee might need another look at a potentially game-changing call. Yet Figueroa Vázquez allowed play to stand, denying Manzano the chance to review the challenge on the monitor.

The controversy added to the perception in Madrid circles that refereeing errors have become routine rather than exceptional. Even though Carlo Ancelotti’s side battled valiantly to claim the win, the red card dominated post-match headlines.

Madrid Find Respite as CTA Set to Intervene

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For once, it seems Real Madrid’s complaints have not fallen on deaf ears. Sources close to the CTA suggest the committee will not only admit the error but also act on it. Vázquez, the VAR official, is expected to be temporarily sidelined, while Manzano’s future appointments will come under close review.

This step marks a notable shift. Traditionally, Spanish referees have been shielded from public accountability, with mistakes brushed aside under the mantra of “human error.” But this new CTA, reshaped earlier this year, appears more willing to accept fault and enforce consequences—even if it means admitting high-profile mistakes.

Madrid Preparing a Report on Refereeing Errors for FIFA

Real Madrid are not leaving the matter in domestic hands. According to Real Madrid TV, the club intends to compile and submit a comprehensive dossier to FIFA, detailing what they describe as an alarming pattern of refereeing failures in La Liga.

The report will cover errors from both the current season and the previous campaign. The message is clear: Madrid want global football’s highest authority to “take good note of what is happening in Spanish football with regards to refereeing.”

It’s a bold move, one that risks widening the gulf between Madrid and the Spanish federation. Yet Florentino Pérez and the club hierarchy believe they have little choice. In their eyes, only international scrutiny can force lasting reform.

Reforms to Refereeing in Spain Already Underway

This controversy comes against the backdrop of sweeping changes in Spanish refereeing. Back in June 2025, the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) fired the entire refereeing committee following mounting pressure from clubs and media.

The new system emphasizes transparency and accountability. Key changes include:

  • Post-match evaluations: Each referee is now assessed by up to three evaluators, including the stadium delegate and CTA’s technical directors.

  • Merit-based rankings: Performance scores are shaping referee assignments, with stronger referees given marquee fixtures.

  • Accountability measures: Mistakes can now lead to enforced rest periods or even demotions—a sharp break from the past culture of impunity.

Not all clubs are satisfied, but the reforms reflect a recognition that Spanish refereeing, once considered among the world’s best, had drifted into disarray.

Justice for Real Madrid?

For Madrid fans, the suspension of Vázquez may feel like justice served, but deeper questions remain. Why was the error made in the first place? Why does it take media pressure for accountability to follow?

The Huijsen incident is far from isolated. In recent seasons, Madrid have compiled a laundry list of grievances: questionable penalties not awarded, goals chalked off for dubious offsides, and leniency shown to opponents in disciplinary matters. Critics accuse the club of paranoia, but the repeated controversies have clearly strained trust.

As the 15-time European champions, Real Madrid believe they deserve refereeing of the highest standard. And when that standard is not met, the fallout resonates across Spain and beyond.

Who Are Madrid’s Next Opponents?

Despite the controversy, life moves quickly for Los Blancos. The victory at Anoeta preserved their perfect start to the La Liga season—four wins from four. Now, attention shifts to the Champions League, where Madrid will host Marseille on Wednesday night.

It will be head coach Xabi Alonso’s sternest test so far in the 2025-26 campaign. The Basque manager, still in his first year at the helm, must ensure his players remain focused on football, not referees.

The red card drama may linger in headlines, but once the whistle blows at the Santiago Bernabéu, it will be results—not grievances—that matter.

The Bigger Picture: Spanish Football at a Crossroads

The Huijsen red card, the CTA’s reaction, and Madrid’s plan to escalate matters to FIFA all point to one thing: Spanish football is at a crossroads.

  • For referees, the pressure has never been greater. Every mistake risks not only media scrutiny but professional consequences.

  • For clubs, the demand for fairness and transparency has never been louder. Giants like Madrid and Barcelona will not tolerate errors they see as systematic.

  • For fans, trust in the system must be rebuilt. Too often, they feel like outcomes are shaped by refereeing rather than football.

The road ahead is uncertain. But if Spain’s refereeing overhaul can restore credibility, the Huijsen saga may yet be remembered as a turning point rather than a scandal.

Conclusion: A Battle for Fairness

The headlines say it all: Justice for Real Madrid! Referee and VAR Responsible for Dean Huijsen Red Card at Real Sociedad to Be Stood Down.

But justice in football is rarely black and white. For Madrid, sidelining officials is a small victory, not the final prize. The real battle is for structural change—a refereeing system that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of Spain’s footballing prestige.

Until then, Real Madrid will keep fighting, both on the pitch and in the boardroom. Because in their eyes, defending football’s integrity is as important as defending another Champions League crown.

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