Refereeing Controversy Surrounds Dean Huijsen’s Dismissal in Real Madrid Triumph Over Real Sociedad

Key Takeaways:

• Real Madrid overcame Real Sociedad on Saturday, but Dean Huijsen was sent off with a straight red card
• Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees has judged the dismissal to be incorrect, stating Éder Militão was in a position to contest the opportunity
• As it stands, Huijsen will miss the clash with Espanyol next weekend unless the Disciplinary Committee overturns his suspension

Review of the Incident

Although Real Madrid claimed victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, the occasion was overshadowed by controversy after Dean Huijsen received a straight red card. The incident occurred in the 32nd minute, when Huijsen, adjudged to have been the last defender, was dismissed for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal. However, the Madrid camp protested, asserting that Éder Militão was sufficiently close to challenge the play, and therefore, a yellow card would have been more appropriate from referee Jesús Gil Manzano.

Referees’ Technical Committee Assessment

🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid will appeal Dean Huijsen's red card. The club believes it is not a red card.

— @marca pic.twitter.com/Pb8SVAkQJt

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) September 14, 2025

As reported by Diario AS, the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) has concurred with Real Madrid’s viewpoint, agreeing that the red card was not justified, since Militão was positioned to potentially prevent a clear goal-scoring chance. Despite this, the committee recognised the complexity of the scenario and has announced that the matter, with all its subtleties, will be examined further next week.

VAR Involvement and Implications for Suspension

The CTA has also indicated support for VAR referee Jorge Figueroa Vázquez’s decision not to intervene, reasoning that the incident did not constitute a “clear and obvious error” according to their standards.

At present, Dean Huijsen is set to miss Real Madrid’s fixture with Espanyol next weekend due to the punishment. However, should the Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish Football Federation overturn the red card, Huijsen could be available for selection at Santiago Bernabéu.