Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was furious after referee Sánchez Martínez made a controversial decision in the final minutes of the match, disallowing a legitimate goal by Arda Güler. The heated accusation came after what Alonso described as a blatant injustice. It was so serious that he publicly questioned the referee’s integrity, posing the provocative question: “How much did he get paid for this?”

The incident occurred during a tense La Liga match between Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu. Although Real Madrid ultimately won 2-1, the match will be remembered for three controversial decisions by Sánchez Martínez. The referee disallowed two goals by Kylian Mbappé for minor offside and then, controversially, disallowed a goal by Güler for handball. This decision surprised fans and analysts alike.

Alonso’s frustration was palpable when the final whistle blew. The manager, known for his measured demeanor, had a one-on-one altercation with Sánchez Martínez on the pitch. Tensions between the two reportedly erupted when Alonso publicly demanded an answer in a display of anger that revealed his growing fury.

In his post-match press conference, Alonso downplayed the controversy, highlighting his team’s resilience: “We showed character and quality by coming back.” But his words paled in comparison to his reaction on the pitch. Despite trying to maintain his composure, the manager’s anger was completely uncontrollable.

Sánchez Martínez’s performance sparked outrage not only for this match but also because it was the third game in which Real Madrid had three goals disallowed, raising questions about the consistency and impartiality of the refereeing.

More broadly, this debate reflects the broader debate about refereeing in Spanish football. Analysts have long questioned whether certain referees display a pattern of decisions that unfairly disadvantage big clubs like Real Madrid. The repeated disallowance of important goals by the same referee against the same team has further fueled these suspicions.

Alonso’s direct accusation—that the referee may have received money to influence the match—is both an accusation against the referees and a reflection of his emotional reaction. Although he doesn’t go into further detail, the question alone reveals how deeply he feels wronged.

From a journalistic perspective, verifying such a claim is crucial before drawing definitive conclusions. Referees are expected to officiate impartially or without outside influence, and any accusation of bribery is serious and must be supported by evidence. So far, no concrete evidence has emerged to corroborate Alonso’s accusation. The only known facts are that three Real Madrid goals were disallowed, one of them by Güler, and that Alonso was visibly angry on the pitch.

Analyzing the stakes, Güler’s goal would have increased Real Madrid’s lead, relieved the pressure, and secured a more decisive victory. However, the 2-1 draw generated tension in the final minutes; Alonso, as coach, believed this pressure could have been avoided had it not been for the refereeing errors.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will take formal action, such as filing a complaint or appealing with the Spanish Football Federation. Such measures would further aggravate the situation and could trigger an investigation into Sánchez Martínez’s performance. But until that happens, or until more evidence emerges, the coach’s words remain harsh, but unfounded.

Ultimately, the story of the match might focus less on Real Madrid’s performance and more on the refereeing controversy. When a coach like Alonso alludes so publicly to corruption, it highlights the growing tension and mistrust surrounding refereeing in modern football.