# La Liga's 18 Most Debated Referee Decisions

Referee decisions in La Liga have always been a hot topic of conversation, often turning games on their head and sparking intense debates among fans. Over the years, certain decisions have stood out for their controversy, impacting the course of matches and leaving lasting memories. Here are 18 of the most debated referee decisions in La Liga history:

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### 1. **2019 El Clásico Penalty Decision**

The 2019 El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid was marred by a controversial penalty decision awarded to Real Madrid. The referee pointed to the spot after Madrid's Toni Kroos was fouled, leading to a penalty scored by Karim Benzema. The decision was widely criticized, with many fans and pundits questioning the referee's consistency.

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### 2. **2008 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Disallowed Goal**

In a thrilling match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a late goal by Real Madrid was controversially disallowed due to an offside position. The decision came in the 92nd minute, denying Madrid a crucial victory and leaving fans in disbelief. The referee's call was heavily debated, with many arguing it was a mistake.

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### 3. **2015 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Red Card**

A pivotal moment in the 2015 clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid saw Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos given a red card for a perceived studs-up challenge on Barcelona's Rafinha. The decision led to an onslaught of criticism, with some accusing the referee of being overly harsh.

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### 4. **2004 Barcelona vs. Valencia Goal Controversy**

Barcelona's Patrick Vieira scored a goal against Valencia in 2004 that was initially ruled offside. After a protracted review, the goal was awarded following a VAR check, but the initial decision sparked outrage among Valencia fans and led to calls for better technology.

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### 5. **2018 Sevilla vs. Barcelona Penalty Decision**

A high-stakes match between Sevilla and Barcelona saw a late penalty awarded to Sevilla in stoppage time. The decision came after Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti handled the ball in the box, leading to a penalty converted by Wissam Ben Yedder. The penalty decision was fiercely debated, with many questioning the referee's judgment.

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### 6. **2006 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Red Card**

Real Madrid's Robinho was sent off in a heated derby against Barcelona for a tackle on Barcelona's Gianluca Zambada. The decision drew widespread condemnation, with some blaming the referee for overreacting to a minor incident.

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### 7. **2017 Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid Goal Dispute**

Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa scored a goal against Real Madrid in 2017 that was initially disallowed due to an offside by Kevin Gameiro. After a VAR review, the goal was allowed, but the initial decision caused confusion and frustration among Atletico fans.

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### 8. **2005 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Red Card**

Barcelona's Deco was given a red card for a challenge on Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho in a 2005 El Clásico. The decision was controversial, with some arguing that the contact was minimal. The red card proved costly for Barcelona, as Real Madrid went on to dominate the match.

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### 9. **2018 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Penalty Decision**

A penalty decision in a Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match saw Real Madrid's Rodrygo score the decisive goal. The penalty was awarded after Barcelona's Clement Llortigue was fouled, but the decision was heavily debated, with some fans questioning the referee's accuracy.

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### 10. **2003 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Goal Controversy**

Real Madrid's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored a late winner against Barcelona in 2003, but the goal was initially ruled offside. After a VAR review, the goal was awarded, but the initial decision led to protests from Barcelona fans.

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### 11. **2016 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Red Card**

Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal was given a red card for a challenge on Barcelona's Neymar Jr. in a 2016 El Clásico. The decision was controversial, with many arguing that the contact was not excessive. The red card changed the game's momentum, but the decision remains divisive.

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### 12. **2008 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Penalty Decision**

Real Madrid's Raúl scored a late penalty against Barcelona in 2008 after being fouled by Barcelona's Ronaldinho. The decision was highly debated, with some fans and pundits questioning the referee's consistency in applying the laws of the game.

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### 13. **2015 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Goal Dispute**

Barcelona's Luis Suárez scored a goal against Real Madrid in 2015 that was initially ruled offside. After a VAR review, the goal was allowed, but the initial decision led to confusion and frustration among Barcelona fans.

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### 14. **2007 Sevilla vs. Real Madrid Red Card**

Real Madrid's Steve Jones was sent off in a match against Sevilla for a late tackle on the opponent's forward. The decision was controversial, with some arguing that the contact was minor. The red card proved costly for Real Madrid, as Sevilla took advantage of the man advantage.

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### 15. **2018 Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona Goal Decision**

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann scored a goal against Barcelona in 2018 that was initially ruled offside. After a VAR review, the goal was allowed, but the initial decision sparked protests from Barcelona fans.

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### 16. **2009 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Red Card**

Real Madrid's Pepe was given a red card for a challenge on Barcelona's Lionel Messi in a 2009 El Clásico. The decision was heavily debated, with some arguing that the contact was not sufficient for a red card.

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### 17. **2017 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Penalty Decision**

Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho scored a penalty against Real Madrid in 2017 after being fouled by Sergio Ramos. The decision was controversial, with many fans and pundits questioning the referee's judgment.

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### 18. **2006 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Goal Controversy**

Barcelona's Ronaldinho scored a goal against Real Madrid in 2006 that was initially ruled offside. After a VAR review, the goal was allowed, but the initial decision led to protests from Barcelona fans.

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These decisions have left an indelible mark on La Liga history, showcasing the challenges referees face in high-pressure situations. Whether it's a controversial penalty, a late offside decision, or a pivotal red card, these moments continue to fuel debates among fans and analysts alike.