Estrada Fernández comes out in defense of Atlético de Madrid: “I can only say bravo”

The evaluation of the controversies of the match between Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona continues so as to add skilled voices that query the route of Spanish refereeing. Former referee Estrada Fernández has analyzed the controversial motion between Gerard Martín and Thiago Almada, breaking a line in favor of the preliminary standards of the sphere referee and, subsequently, the crimson and white indignation. For the Catalan, the unique choice to ship off the Barça defender was an train in technical precision that the VAR unjustifiably ruined.

Estrada highlighted the problem of the second, simply after passing by means of the locker room, highlighting the psychological agility of Mateu Busquets Ferrer earlier than being corrected. In his phrases, the primary referee demonstrated impeccable consideration in a high-speed state of affairs: “Mateo Busquets presents and exhibits superb focus, since he sees completely how Gerard Martín, after clearing the ball, contesting for the ball, nails his studs on the ankle of the Atlético de Madrid participant.”

The referee’s statements

The quick response of the sphere referee was, for Estrada Fernández, an instance of what the present guidelines dictate. The previous referee didn’t spare his reward for his colleague’s preliminary bravery for making use of the laws with out hesitation towards a giant crew: “He would not give it some thought, blows the foul and routinely sends off the FC Barcelona participant. I can solely say bravo for a call in actual time, bravo for seeing a state of affairs that may be very troublesome.”

Moreover, he recalled that the referee was complying with the direct orders acquired from above: “Bravo for Mateo Busquets being attentive to the rules that the technical committee of referees revealed in the beginning of this season 25 and 26.” With this, Estrada emphasizes that the expulsion was not a free interpretation, however slightly the strict utility of the present laws on the extreme use of pressure and the purpose of contact.

The VAR error and the dearth of persona

Nonetheless, Estrada Fernández’s tone modified radically when speaking in regards to the VOR room, pointing on to Mario Melero López. For the analyst, it’s incomprehensible that with all of the technological instruments an misguided rectification was pressured: “How can it’s that Mario Melero, seeing all the photographs, the impacts, the purpose of affect of the studs… calls Mateo Busquets to vary his choice? Melero may be very dangerous,” he harshly acknowledged.

However wasn’t this already reviewed? 🤔@CTARFEF pic.twitter.com/WjRCzdIPXZ

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 4, 2026

Lastly, Estrada Fernández despatched a warning message to the primary referee about his future within the elite and the necessity to preserve his judgment within the face of strain from the monitor: “If you wish to be a world referee it’s important to have extra persona. You need to have the bravery, the braveness to help your individual choice even when the VAR tells you in any other case.” He concluded by reaffirming that, regardless of the ultimate rectification, the entry was “a really clear crimson.”