Ancelotti fuming over refereeing decisions as Real Madrid settle for a draw against Osasuna

Carlo Ancelotti, the 65-year-old manager of Real Madrid, expressed his frustration regarding various referee decisions during their 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday, a result that has left them winless in LaLiga for three consecutive matches.

The Italian coach was particularly critical of VAR, highlighting the lack of intervention in three potential penalty situations involving what he perceived as fouls on Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, as well as a handball by Alejandro Catena within the box.

Having already been irked by Bellingham’s straight red card handed out by Jose Munuera Montero in the first half, Ancelotti’s annoyance escalated when a penalty was awarded to Osasuna early in the second half. This decision was made after the VAR prompted a review of Eduardo Camavinga’s foul on Ante Budimir’s foot in the Real area.

Budimir successfully converted the penalty, equalising after Kylian Mbappe’s first-half goal.

“I think there have been incidents in these past three matches that everyone has witnessed and I don’t wish to elaborate further, as I’m eager to be on the sideline for the next game,” Ancelotti remarked at the press conference following the match.

“The referee showed me a yellow card when I pointed out that there was a handball in Osasuna’s penalty area and suggested he should check it on VAR… They must have activated the VAR later,” he added.

Moreover, Ancelotti argued against the red card issued to Bellingham in the 39th minute, insisting that the English midfielder had not used any foul language towards the referee amidst the numerous disputes involving Real Madrid players during the match.

Ancelotti’s frustration underscores ongoing tensions between Real Madrid and refereeing authorities, following the club’s complaints regarding officiating in La Liga earlier in February.

This draw means Real Madrid remains at the summit of LaLiga, as the title race intensifies. With 51 points, they lead second-placed Atletico Madrid by one point and sit three ahead of third-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand.