Former Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz commented on the disputed incident during last weekend’s El Clasico, in which Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu.
The incident happened in the final minutes, when Ronald Araujo, pushed forward by coach Hansi Flick to play as a striker, rushed into the penalty area to receive a cross. However, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal made a strong shoulder challenge that caused Araujo to fall. Barcelona players immediately reacted fiercely, demanding a penalty, but the referee waved it off.
This situation quickly sparked a storm on social media, with fans and experts divided: some argued Carvajal clearly committed a foul, while others believed the contact was insufficient to award a penalty in such a high-pressure match like El Clasico.
Referee Mateu Lahoz stated that Carvajal’s foul on Araujo should have resulted in a penalty (Photo: X).
After the match, Mateu Lahoz, who has officiated many El Clasico games in his career, shared his candid opinion: “The only reason Carvajal’s foul on Araujo was not called as a penalty is because it was El Clasico. In any other match, it would definitely be a penaltyy.”
Lahoz’s statement implies that the magnitude and pressure of El Clasico can influence referees’ decisions, making them hesitant to make crucial calls.
Slow-motion replays show clear contact between Carvajal and Araujo, causing the Uruguayan defender to lose balance and fall inside the box. Nevertheless, the main referee allowed play to continue, leaving coach Hansi Flick and the entire Barcelona team visibly disappointed after the final whistle.
Referee Mateu Lahoz has officiated numerous El Clasico matches in his career (Photo: SPORT).
Lahoz’s remarks have ignited renewed debate about the quality of refereeing in La Liga, especially in high-profile matches like El Clasico. Many Barcelona fans feel their team is often unfairly treated in key moments, while Real Madrid supporters argue it was a legitimate challenge.
Although the result cannot be changed, Lahoz’s comments are putting additional pressure on the La Liga organizers La Liga to improve transparency and standards in refereeing, an issue that always becomes a focal point after every classic match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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