Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has hit out at the referee following Eduardo Camavinga’s controversial sending off, claiming the decision was a serious error that cost Los Blancos their Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.
The incident occurred in the 86th minute of the dramatic second-leg clash at the Allianz Arena. With the aggregate score level at 4-4 and extra time looming, Camavinga was shown a second yellow card — and subsequent red — after kicking the ball away following a foul on Harry Kane. The dismissal left Real Madrid with 10 men, allowing Bayern to score twice late on (Luis Díaz and Michael Olise) and advance 6-4 on aggregate.
Arbeloa expressed deep frustration, stating Camavinga is still in pain after the heartbreaking exit.
“Eduardo Camavinga is in pain after what happened against Bayern, just like the rest of us,” Arbeloa said.
Arbeloa went further, directly criticising the referee’s handling of the situation and suggesting a basic but costly oversight.
“I think what happened was a glaring mistake by the referee, clearly. It’s obvious the referee didn’t know the player had a yellow card, and not knowing that is a serious error in my opinion.”
The former Real Madrid defender argued that the referee appeared unaware Camavinga had already been booked just minutes earlier (for a pull on Jamal Musiala). He claimed Bayern players had to remind the official that it was the Frenchman’s second caution, turning a potential minor infringement into a game-changing red card.