Lapochkin says key first-half call shaped Madrid derby result

Former FIFA referee Sergey Lapochkin says Miguel Arias made a serious error by failing to send off Atletico Madrid midfielder Lee Kang-in during the club’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the seventh round of La Liga.

The incident occurred in the first half, with the score still 0-0, when Lee fouled Federico Valverde.

Lapochkin said the offence warranted a red card and that the timing of the decision, together with the scoreline at the time, meant the referee’s call directly influenced the outcome of the match.

Atletico Madrid eventually won the Madrid derby 2-1.