Real Madrid’s attempt to overturn a controversial red card has failed, after the club’s Dean Huijsen red card appeal was rejected by the Spanish Football Federation’s Competition Committee on Wednesday. The defender has been handed a one-match ban.
The 20-year-old was dismissed during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal, which referee Jesus Gil Manzano deemed to be a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The club had argued the decision was excessive, pointing out that Eder Militao was providing cover and the foul occurred approximately 40 metres from goal. Madrid’s frustration was compounded when the refereeing body’s own review show, ‘Review Time,’ suggested a yellow card would have been a more appropriate sanction. Despite this, the disciplinary committee upheld the on-field decision.
Real Madrid will now escalate the case to the Appeals Committee in a last-ditch effort to make Huijsen available for Saturday’s La Liga clash with Espanyol. If unsuccessful, his absence will deepen Xabi Alonso’s defensive crisis, with both Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold currently sidelined with injuries.