Controversy at the Bernabéu: Was Güler Spared a Red Card?

Arda Güler sparked controversy during Real Madrid vs Sevilla after catching Peque with an elbow. Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer did not send off the Turkish midfielder, who opened the scoring minutes later at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Arda Güler Sparks Controversy With Elbow on Peque

The LaLiga Matchday 9 clash between Real Madrid and Sevilla was overshadowed by a controversial refereeing decision that prompted strong protests from the visiting team.

In the 22nd minute, Arda Güler and Peque were battling for position near midfield when the Turkish midfielder extended his arm and caught his opponent in the face with his elbow.

The incident occurred as both players were running toward Sevilla's goal, with the ball not directly involved in the challenge.

The Sevilla player fell to the ground, while his teammates demanded a possible red card for the Real Madrid midfielder.

VAR Reviews the Incident, but Güler Escapes Punishment

The controversy intensified when Dean Huijsen approached Peque and attempted to pull him to his feet aggressively while the player was still on the ground.

The confrontation sparked an altercation involving players from both teams, forcing referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer to intervene and restore order.

The official showed yellow cards to Huijsen and Félix Correia, who were involved in the confrontation.

However, Arda Güler received no disciplinary punishment for the initial contact.

VAR reviewed the incident and remained in communication with the referee, but the officials ultimately determined that the challenge did not warrant a red card.

The decision frustrated Sevilla's players, who believed the elbow should have resulted in the Turkish midfielder's dismissal.

Güler Scores Minutes Later, Fueling the Controversy

The incident became even more significant when Arda Güler scored Real Madrid's opening goal in the 30th minute, just eight minutes after the controversial challenge.

The Turkish midfielder went from facing a potential red card to becoming the player who broke the deadlock.

Six minutes later, Kylian Mbappé doubled Real Madrid's advantage with the second goal of the match.

That goal also sparked protests from Sevilla, whose players appealed for a foul on Robbie Ure in the buildup.

However, Busquets Ferrer allowed the goal to stand.

As a result, the match at the Santiago Bernabéu was marked by two refereeing decisions questioned by the visitors, particularly the incident involving Güler and Peque.

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Key Takeaways

Arda Güler caught Peque with his elbow in the 22nd minute.
Sevilla's players demanded a red card for the Turkish midfielder.
VAR reviewed the incident but did not consider it worthy of a sending-off.
Dean Huijsen and Félix Correia received yellow cards following the altercation.
Güler opened the scoring in the 30th minute.
Kylian Mbappé scored the second goal in the 36th minute, following another play disputed by Sevilla.