Atletico Madrid striker Ángel Correa has been handed a five-match suspension following his outburst at the referee during his team’s 2-1 loss to Getafe in La Liga.
Correa was initially sent off in the 88th minute for a high tackle, but things escalated when he lashed out verbally at referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández. His reaction led to an additional four-game ban, on top of the automatic one-match suspension for the red card.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee rejected Atletico’s defense, stating that Correa’s emotional state and pressure in the moment did not excuse his “severe expressions” toward the referee.
Following the incident, Correa took to social media platform X to issue an apology, admitting his frustration at leaving his team with ten men at a crucial moment.
“I have total respect for the referees, and this reaction is not typical of me,” he wrote. “I was very angry and reacted in the worst way. I sincerely apologize.”
The ban means Correa will miss Atletico’s crucial Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona, along with La Liga clashes against Espanyol, Sevilla, and Valladolid. His absence is a significant blow to Atletico, who are currently battling for a top spot in the league.
