Key Takeaways:
- Last night, the Appeal Committee upheld Dean Huijsen’s one-match ban following his red card against Real Sociedad
- The referees’ committee previously acknowledged that the red card was given in error and the offence warranted only a yellow card
- As a consequence, Huijsen will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Espanyol
Appeal Committee Upholds Huijsen Ban
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid’s central defender, has spoken out after the Spanish football Appeal Committee upheld his one-match suspension late last night. The ban follows a red card issued by main referee Gil Manzano during Real Madrid’s recent fixture against Real Sociedad.
🚨 DEAN HUIJSEN ON IG:
“The mistake is admitted but I'm still suspended, good image for Spanish football.” 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/p9OrVhA09S
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 18, 2025
Referees’ Committee Admits Error
The referees’ committee had earlier conceded that Gil Manzano’s decision was mistaken, specifying that the incident in question merited only a yellow card rather than a sending-off. However, the Appeal Committee determined that this error was not “obvious” under the regulations and asserted that the referee retained the right to interpret the situation on the field. Consequently, the red card will not be overturned and Huijsen’s suspension remains in place. This means he will not be available for selection in the upcoming match against Espanyol.
Player’s Statement Following Decision
Upon learning of the committee’s verdict, the Spanish international expressed his frustrations on social media, summarising events as follows:
“1. Gil Manzano wrongly sends off Huijsen. 2. VAR does not intervene and approves this decision. 3. Real Madrid play with а man less for two thirds of the match. 4. The referees’ committee admits the mistake. 5. After the mistake is admitted, the committee punishes Huijsen with a one-match ban. The mistake is admitted, but I am still punished. Good image for Spanish football.”
He added: “The error has been admitted but the sanction stays… good image for Spanish football!”
Disciplinary Proceedings Summary
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad |
| Incident | Dean Huijsen shown red card by Gil Manzano |
| Referees’ Committee Finding | Mistake admitted; action worthy of yellow card |
| Appeal Committee Decision | Red card and suspension upheld |
| Fixture to Miss | Espanyol (next match) |
