The CTA's Reaction to Tchouaméni's Penalty, Message to Soto Grado: 'What You've Done'

The great controversy of the Madrid classic, which is still 'alive' at this hour, is the penalty committed by Aurélien Tchouaméni on Samu Lino. The Real Madrid midfielder, playing as a center-back out of position, was not quick in the tackle and stepped on the Atlético de Madrid player in the area. That action, after a review on the VAR monitor, didn't leave much doubt for Soto Grado.

The referee from Ávila made it clear that this action was clearly a penalty in favor of the red-and-white sports discipline, a shot that Julián Álvarez took care of converting with a 'panenka'. The debates about this action haven't reached a consensus among the refereeing experts called by the media, in addition to highlighting the indignation of Madrid fans.

The comments and opinions about this penalty called by Soto Grado have prompted the direct intervention of the Technical Committee of Referees. The body chaired by Medina Cantalejo paid special attention to the performance of César Soto Grado and Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea at Santiago Bernabéu and didn't hesitate to support their decisions.

The information published by Mundo Deportivo, a newspaper that has consulted various sources close to the refereeing group, reveals that the CTA considers that the verdict of the action "doesn't admit discussion". The support for Soto Grado, despite the tense and thorny controversy that focuses on Real Madrid, is clear and manifest from Las Rozas.

By Their Side

Especially considering that a similar infraction was called in the Athletic Club-Girona, held at the new San Mamés. Recalling that play, Iturralde González made it clear that the play by Tchouaméni on Samu Lino should be "a penalty but for refereeing consistency". The CTA, far from taking refuge in that argument, gives all its support to the field referee of the Madrid classic.

So much so that they would have sent him the following message: "what you have done is make the right decision". The referee from Ávila comes out strengthened from this match in the eyes of the heads of the refereeing group, but his performance has only increased the indignation of all the members of the merengue team.

The comments about Soto Grado's decision are quickly accumulating, both for and against, regarding that penalty that served as a prelude to the Atlético goal in the classic. The doubts that some have about the development of the play don't seem to have reached the CTA, which shows its total support for the referee appointed to officiate the match.

Be that as it may, Real Madrid has accepted the result. In the Madrid locker room, there is no time to get lost in controversies because the competitive calendar remains demanding: the visit to the Etihad Stadium is approaching after this exhausting effort. That is the main concern of the coaching staff led by Carlo Ancelotti.