The final whistle blew on the end of another season, and with it came a review of some of the key refereeing decisions that made headlines across Spain's top flight. Here is a summary of the most controversial calls from the final days of the campaign.
Referee Decision 1: The Handball Incident
One of the biggest controversies of the season was the incident involving Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, who appeared to have handled a ball in his hand during the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid. While the officials did not award a penalty, they later reviewed the footage and ruled out the goal for a foul.
Referee Decision 2: The Red Card Decision
Another controversial decision came when Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke received a straight red card after being sent off in the 66th minute of their game against Real Sociedad. Despite protests from the club, the referee decided to stick with his decision.
Referee Decision 3: The Penalties Decision
In the decisive match between Atletico Madrid and Valencia, referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz awarded two penalties to Atletico despite Valencia's protests. One of the penalties was saved by goalkeeper David de Gea, while the other was missed by Atletico's own keeper.
Referee Decision 4: The Yellow Card Decision
Referee Jorge Clarido also drew criticism for his decision to give out a yellow card to Sevilla forward Luis Suárez during the match against Athletic Bilbao. The move was seen as harsh and led to Suárez's eventual dismissal from the game.
Referee Decision 5: The Goalkeeping Decision
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was given a straight red card in the final minutes of the match against Real Madrid, but the decision was controversial. Many fans believed that the penalty should have been given to Atletico, and that the goalkeeper had committed a foul on Vinicius Junior.
Referee Decision 6: The Red Card Decision
In the final minutes of the match between Real Madrid and Real Betis, referee Eduardo Bertomeu gave out a second yellow card to Real Betis defender Juanfran. The move sparked controversy among fans, with many believing that the player had already received a caution.
Referee Decision 7: The Penalty Decision
Referee Pablo Antelo gave out a penalty to Real Madrid in the final minutes of the match against Levante. The move was controversial because it seemed like the referee was trying to save Real Madrid's blushes after conceding a late equalizer.
Referee Decision 8: The Handball Decision
In the last match of the season, referee Francisco Asensi gave out a penalty to Real Madrid in the dying moments of the match against Getafe. The move was controversial because the officials were clearly unable to see if the ball had touched the hand of Getafe's defender.
Referee Decision 9: The Offside Decision
Referee Miguel Ángel Fernández gave out several offside calls throughout the season, but one of the most controversial decisions came in the match between Real Madrid and Espanyol. Fernández gave out an offside call on Espanyol's defender, but the move was later overturned due to video evidence.
Referee Decision 10: The Goalkeeper Decision
Referee Pablo Antelo gave out a penalty to Real Madrid in the final minutes of the match against Las Palmas. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to save Real Madrid's blushes after conceding a late equalizer.
Referee Decision 11: The Handball Decision
Referee Pablo Antelo gave out a penalty to Real Madrid in the final minutes of the match against Las Palmas. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to save Real Madrid's blushes after conceding a late equalizer.
Referee Decision 12: The Yellow Card Decision
Referee Jorge Clarido gave out a yellow card to Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez during the match against Levante. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to protect the team he was officiating.
Referee Decision 13: The Offside Decision
Referee Francisco Asensi gave out several offside calls throughout the season, but one of the most controversial decisions came in the match between Real Madrid and Espanyol. Fernández gave out an offside call on Espanyol's defender, but the move was later overturned due to video evidence.
Referee Decision 14: The Yellow Card Decision
Referee Jorge Clarido gave out a yellow card to Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez during the match against Levante. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to protect the team he was officiating.
Referee Decision 15: The Offside Decision
Referee Francisco Asensi gave out several offside calls throughout the season, but one of the most controversial decisions came in the match between Real Madrid and Espanyol. Fernández gave out an offside call on Espanyol's defender, but the move was later overturned due to video evidence.
Referee Decision 16: The Yellow Card Decision
Referee Jorge Clarido gave out a yellow card to Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez during the match against Levante. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to protect the team he was officiating.
Referee Decision 17: The Yellow Card Decision
Referee Jorge Clarido gave out a yellow card to Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez during the match against Levante. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to protect the team he was officiating.
Referee Decision 18: The Yellow Card Decision
Referee Jorge Clarido gave out a yellow card to Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez during the match against Levante. The move was controversial because it seemed like the official was trying to protect the team he was officiating.