Ángel Correa Suspended Five Games for Referee Insult in La Liga Clash

MADRID, Spain — Ángel Correa, a forward for Atlético Madrid, received a five-game suspension on March 12, 2025, after insulting referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández during a La Liga match against Getafe.

The incident occurred late in the game, following a direct red card shown to Correa for a serious foul in the 88th minute. Atlético Madrid was trailing when Correa reportedly yelled, “Hijo de mil putas, cagón. La concha de tu madre” at the referee after being sent off.

Initially given a yellow card, the decision changed to red after a video review. In a statement posted on his social media later, Correa expressed remorse. “I was very heated for leaving my team with ten men at such a crucial moment and reacted in the worst way,” he said. “I hope the referee accepts my sincerest apologies. I also want to apologize to my teammates, coaches, and our fans for an action that should not have happened and cost us dearly.”

The five-match ban includes four games for insulting the referee, violating Article 99 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, and one for the direct red card, which falls under Article 130.1. In total, he will miss crucial fixtures, including an upcoming match against FC Barcelona.

Atlético Madrid may appeal the suspension, as they argue Correa did not deserve to be dismissed for the foul and maintained he did not exert excessive force. The club also contended that the words spoken after the ejection should be viewed as less severe and requested that his spontaneous apology be considered a mitigating factor in the disciplinary process.

The RFEF’s Committee for Discipline, however, rejected the appeal, noting that evidence supported the referee’s account of the incident. Video footage corroborated that Correa struck an opponent and highlighted the referee followed appropriate procedures by reviewing the play with VAR before issuing the red card.

“Our emotions should not excuse the serious expressions directed at the referee as outlined in the match report,” the committee stated, reinforcing that disrespect towards officiating remains unacceptable regardless of game pressures. The committee considered the severity of Correa’s insults and upheld the suspension as a fitting disciplinary measure.

Atlético Madrid’s president, Enrique Cerezo, remarked on the matter, stating, “He made a mistake by insulting the referee, and it seems to me that the sanction is normal.” As of now, Correa will be unavailable for crucial matches as Atlético competes for the top position in the league alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Correa’s absence will last until he returns for a match against Rayo Vallecano on April 23, 2025.