“When we thought we had seen it all, on the last day… Without words.” The lament is from Atlético, published on social networks moments after the game against Villarreal, in which the rojiblancos They complained about a foul at the beginning of the play to make it 2-2 and, above all, a hand from Mandi that prevented Griezmann from making it 1-2 (38′). The capture of that violation illustrates the message. Simeone, as a spokesman at a press conference, did not believe what happened, especially that the VAR did not enter. And within the club they feel that there is an accumulation of errors that have weighed down the team, with irregular performance already by itself.
“It is very difficult to explain something that is seen on TV very clearly”, Cholo tried to summarize the action, although he consoled himself with the fact that Atleti had “the peace of mind that there was nothing tremendously important at stake.” But during the course there was a lot at stake and many protests that make up an important list and in which they have participated not only the players and the coach, but also Tomás Reñones, as spokesperson, Cerezo and Gil Marín.
The camel’s back broke at the end of January, after the Real Madrid-Atlético de Copa match. The rojiblancos They regretted that Soto Grado did not show the second yellow card to Ceballos for a foul on the front. Shortly after he did throw Savic out. “It is a decisive action, but nobody says anything…”, Simeone told the media. The following day, Gil Marín issued a harsh statement on the club’s website: “Madrid is a club with a very strong environment, with many interests around it. They create such pressure that it is normal for it to affect the people who have to make decisions.” On that particular derby he summarized: “Leaving them with ten in their stadium are big words.”
A few weeks later, another controversial visit to the White House. “Nothing new at the Bernabéu,” the club tweeted after Correa was given a direct red card by a blow with his arm to Rüdiger’s chest. “That expulsion does not lead, but it is not the first time, it becomes natural,” Tomás snapped. In April, Atlético went to the Camp Nou and also came out with a crooked nose, not only because of the defeat. In one of the last plays, the rojiblancos claimed a penalty for a handball from Busquets after a header from Giménez.
The confusion invaded the locker room, because the squad recalled other similar plays that, against them, have indeed been considered a foul and a maximum penalty. “Against Almería they were going to call me a penalty just the same, and a previous offside saved me,” recalled Giménez himself. But there was more. For example, In Atlético-Getafe, a maximum penalty was indicated in a shot that hit Saúl’s arm, with his back to his adversary with Busquets. At Atlético-Rayo too Giménez was whistled for a hand. In Atlético-Almería, there was a handball by Samu Costa, with his arm outstretched, which was not considered punishable. The disparity of criteria has disoriented and hurt the staff.
With everything, between yes and no with hands in the area and other actions throughout the League, Atlético has only had one penalty in favor in 38 days. It was in May, against Cádiz, almost a year after the previous one, and in reality it was not very clear either. In this regard there is a footballer who feels particularly aggrieved: Morata. The referees understand that he exaggerates a lot and he, that he is treated differently and that fewer fouls are called for him, inside and outside the area. “I already asked (Soto Grado) if he had a personal problem with Álvaro,” Simeone released after the cup derby, from which his striker limped off. “Morata and Griezmann are not protected and they were kicked,” launched Gil Marín. “I don’t know what the VAR has against Morata,” said Cerezo.
The Spanish international has seen how, through video arbitration, They have annulled controversial goals (Athletic and Real Sociedad and another in Valencia without VAR) and red cards caused by him (Valencia). In the First Division they have only been awarded one penalty in their entire career (Mallorca, 19-20). This season he claimed it, for example, against Getafe, due to a grab from Djené. “It’s not enough for me”Mateu Lahoz tried to reason with him. Some time ago it happened to him with Balliu, from Rayo. Morata has been seen at the limit of patience in many matches. And so, game by game, Atlético says goodbye to the season feeling very offended by the actions of the referees.
