Ángel Correa has received a hefty suspension for insulting referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández. The 30-year-old Atlético Madrid forward will be sidelined for five matches, missing, among others, the games against Barcelona in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
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Ángel Correa has been handed a five-match suspension following his red card in last weekend’s La Liga fixture, where he was sent off for verbally abusing referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández.
The Argentine forward saw red in the final minutes of the game when Atlético Madrid was leading 0-1, and his absence proved costly as his team conceded a late equalizer. La Liga has now imposed the harshest possible sanction for this type of offense, ruling Correa out of five key matches, including a showdown with Barcelona in La Liga and the crucial second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
The controversy began as the match neared its conclusion, with Atlético seemingly on course for a vital victory. However, Correa, visibly agitated by the referee’s decisions, allegedly directed an expletive-laden tirade at Cuadra Fernández. His reported words "Hijo de mil putas, cagón. La concha de tu madre." are widely considered highly offensive, including references to mothers and sex workers. The referee wasted no time in brandishing a straight red card, leaving Atlético a man down in the crucial final minutes of the match. The dismissal only compounded the team’s problems, as they conceded a dramatic late goal, ultimately dropping two crucial points.
In the aftermath of the game, speculation arose over whether Atlético Madrid would appeal the decision. Given that the incident happened in the heat of the moment, some within the club reportedly believed that a lesser punishment would have been appropriate. However, La Liga’s disciplinary committee moved swiftly, taking a zero-tolerance approach to the situation and imposing the maximum ban allowed for such an offense. As a result, Correa will be unavailable for Atlético’s upcoming La Liga fixtures against Barcelona, Espanyol, Sevilla, and Real Valladolid, as well as the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona.
For Atlético, Correa’s absence is a significant blow at a critical juncture of the season. Diego Simeone’s side is battling on multiple fronts, balancing domestic and European competitions, and every player in the squad is crucial. Correa has been an important figure for Atlético once again this season, contributing seven goals and five assists in all competitions. His ability to play in multiple attacking positions has made him a key asset, allowing Simeone to rotate his squad while maintaining attacking depth. Without Correa, the burden on Atlético’s other attackers such as Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, and Memphis Depay will increase considerably in the coming weeks.
Despite this suspension, Correa remains eligible for Atlético’s Champions League campaign. UEFA’s regulations are independent of La Liga’s disciplinary decisions, meaning he will still be available for the high-stakes European showdown against Real Madrid. This will provide a rare opportunity for the Argentine to remain active in competitive matches, even as he sits out domestic fixtures.
Correa’s suspension also reignites a broader debate in Spanish football about discipline and officiating standards. Some fans and analysts believe that referees in La Liga have become too quick to issue red cards for verbal dissent, arguing that similar incidents in other leagues often result in less severe punishments. Others, however, have supported the league’s firm stance, emphasizing that respect for match officials must be maintained at all times.
The loss of Correa will undoubtedly test Atlético’s resilience, especially as they navigate a particularly demanding fixture list. The absence of a player with his skill set and experience will force Simeone to make tactical adjustments, potentially reshaping his attacking setup. Atlético’s success this season has relied on squad depth and adaptability, and this period will serve as a real test of their title and trophy ambitions.
With the battle for a top-four La Liga finish heating up and the Copa del Rey reaching its decisive stages, every match carries extra significance. Atlético Madrid will now have to find a way to maintain their momentum without Correa, hoping that his absence does not derail their aspirations in both domestic and European competitions.
Updated: 03:43, 12 Mar 2025
