The Missing Yellow Card: Carreras’ Tackle on Yamal Divides Spain
11 January 2026
Referee Verdict Sparks Debate Over Carreras’ Tackle on Yamal
In the Spanish Super Cup final, referee Montero did not show a yellow card to Real Madrid's Álvaro Carreras for a heavy challenge on Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal, triggering wide debate.
The match was broadcast on the Eight app, the exclusive broadcaster of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, according to reports.
The expert referee analyst Itoralde Gonzalez, writing for AS and appearing on Cadena SER, said the decision was incorrect and that a yellow card was fully deserved.
He explained that in big matches referees often exercise restraint early on when the score is still tight, and the incident occurred around minute 22, with Carreras arriving late and stamping on Yamal’s foot near the metatarsals.
Barcelona protested vigorously, yet the score stood at 2-1 to Barcelona at the time of reporting.
The controversy added to the tense mood surrounding the final, with Barcelona maintaining their lead as protests echoed through the stadium.
Punchline: If refereeing were a stand-up act, this moment would get a yellow card for poor punch timing. Punchline 2: My humor gets booked more often than some tackles—definitely a rough call worth revisiting.
