During Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Girona, Kylian Mbappé was struck in the face inside the box, but referee Albertola Rojas did not award a penalty, and VAR did not intervene. Real Madrid TV criticized the refereeing as disgraceful, stating the incident was a clear—and even double—penalty.
The broadcaster also linked this refereeing controversy to Barcelona’s ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving payments to a company belonging to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former vice-chairman of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees. Such ties fuel suspicions of unfair influence over match officials.
This dispute forms part of a wider rivalry that overshadows Spanish football, turning the Mbappé episode into a flashpoint that blends sport with media and political conflict. It raises questions about referee impartiality and reinforces the scrutiny on football governance in Spain.
In summary, the penalty controversy is more than a single game event—it reflects broader challenges confronting Barcelona’s integrity and reputation, which could affect the club's standing both on and off the pitch.
