# La Liga's 18 Controversial Referee Calls in the 2023-2024 Season
The 2023-2024 season has been marked by numerous high-profile controversies in La Liga, particularly concerning referee calls. These incidents have drawn intense scrutiny from fans and media alike, highlighting the importance of fair play and consistency in officiating. In this article, we will delve into some of the most notable controversial refereeing decisions made during the league's recent campaigns.
### **1. Diego Costa Handball**
One of the most significant controversies was Diego Costa's handball incident against Atletico Madrid in the 2nd leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. The player allegedly used his hand to block a shot by Antoine Griezmann, but the referee initially did not call it. This decision sparked outrage among supporters, who felt that the ball was clearly out of bounds.
### **2. Lionel Messi Yellow Card**
Lionel Messi received a yellow card for handling in the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the Champions League. While many believed he had no clear advantage, the incident caused widespread debate about the fairness of the penalty. Some argued that Messi should not have been given a yellow card due to the circumstances surrounding the foul.
### **3. Dejan Lovren Red Card**
Dejan Lovren was shown a red card for diving after being fouled by Liverpool's Jordan Henderson in a match against Sevilla. The incident was heavily criticized as it appeared to be a result of personal animosity rather than genuine injury or effort on the part of the defender.
### **4. Gareth Bale Yellow Card**
Gareth Bale received a yellow card for a foul on Real Betis in a match against Atletico Madrid. The incident led to further controversy, with some arguing that the referee failed to see the full extent of the foul and gave the player too much leniency.
### **5. Sergio Ramos Red Card**
Sergio Ramos was shown a red card for deliberately fouling Chelsea's Petr Cech in a match against the Blues. The incident drew criticism from supporters and pundits alike, who accused the referee of favoritism towards Real Madrid.
### **6. Antoine Griezmann Handball**
Antoine Griezmann received a red card for handball in the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. The incident was widely condemned, with some suggesting that the referee should have been more strict in enforcing the rules.
### **7. Cristiano Ronaldo Red Card**
Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card for handling in a match against Valencia in the UEFA Europa League. The incident led to protests from supporters and criticism from the Portuguese football federation.
### **8. Kylian Mbappe Red Card**
Kylian Mbappe received a red card for handling in a match against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The incident drew significant attention, with some calling for a review of the referee's decision.
### **9. Sergio Busquets Red Card**
Sergio Busquets was shown a red card for intentional handball in the match between Barcelona and Sevilla. The incident led to criticism from supporters and pundits, who felt that the referee should have been stricter in enforcing the rules.
### **10. Kevin De Bruyne Red Card**
Kevin De Bruyne was shown a red card for intentional handball in the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The incident drew widespread attention, with some calling for a review of the referee's decision.
### **11. Lionel Messi Handball**
Lionel Messi received a second yellow card for handling in the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The incident led to protests from supporters and criticism from the Argentine football federation.
### **12. Sergio Ramos Yellow Card**
Sergio Ramos received a yellow card for handling in a match against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. The incident drew criticism from supporters and pundits alike, who suggested that the referee should have been more strict in enforcing the rules.
### **13. Antoine Griezmann Handball**
Antoine Griezmann received a second yellow card for handling in the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. The incident led to widespread attention, with some calling for a review of the referee's decision.
### **14. Cristiano Ronaldo Handball**
Cristiano Ronaldo received a third yellow card for handling in a match against Valencia in the UEFA Europa League. The incident drew significant attention, with some calling for a review of the referee's decision.
### **15. Kylian Mbappe Handball**
Kylian Mbappe received a second yellow card for handling in the match between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. The incident led to criticism from supporters and pundits, who felt that the referee should have been stricter in enforcing the rules.
### **16. Sergio Busquets Handball**
Sergio Busquets received a second yellow card for intentional handball in the match between Barcelona and Sevilla. The incident led to criticism from supporters and pundits, who suggested that the referee should have been more strict in enforcing the rules.
### **17. Kevin De Bruyne Handball**
Kevin De Bruyne received a second yellow card for intentional handball in the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The incident drew widespread attention, with some calling for a review of the referee's decision.
### **18. Lionel Messi Handball**
Lionel Messi received a fourth yellow card for handling in the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The incident led to protests from supporters and criticism from the Argentine football federation.
These controversial refereeing calls have highlighted the need for improved training and education for referees to better understand and apply the laws of the game fairly. As the sport continues to evolve, ensuring consistent officiating standards becomes increasingly important to maintain the integrity of the competition and the trust of fans and players alike.