In recent fixtures, Real Sociedad has found itself increasingly besieged by a succession of contentious refereeing decisions, provoking a growing sense of frustration within the club’s ranks. What initially manifested as bewilderment has escalated into a palpable indignation among players, staff, and supporters alike, as a pattern of officiating errors during this February has unfolded, seemingly positioning the Basque side to confront not only their adversaries but also the arbiters themselves.
The controversy reached a peak during the high-stakes derby, where Brais Méndez received a red card that many observers deemed disproportionate. This punitive measure remained unaltered despite the review by the VAR, which notably refrained from overturning the decision. Compounding the sense of injustice was a clear handball committed by Aymeric Laporte following a header from Duje Ćaleta-Car, an infringement that shockingly went unpunished by the officials.
Ongoing Struggles Amidst Controversial Calls
The ordeal endured by Real Sociedad persisted at the Bernabéu, where Jon Aramburu was subjected to stringent officiating standards that culminated in the awarding of two penalties for fouls on Vinícius. These decisions further exacerbated the narrative of an uneven playing field, intensifying the club’s challenges during critical clashes.