Ángel Correa, the Argentinian forward for Atlético de Madrid, has been handed a five-match suspension by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the recent match against Getafe. The decision came on March 12, 2025, following his direct red card incident on March 9, where Atlético lost 2-1 to Getafe.
During the 88th minute of the match, Correa was shown his first yellow card for a foul on Togolese player Djené Dakonam. After reviewing the tackle via VAR, referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández upgraded the foul to a red card, resulting in Correa's expulsion from the game. After receiving the red card, Correa reportedly directed vulgar insults toward Cuadra Fernández, which included phrases such as "Hijo de mil putas, cagón. La concha de tu madre," as noted in the official match report.
Correa's actions did not go unnoticed by the RFEF, leading the disciplinary committee to impose sanctions: one match for the red card and four matches for his verbal insults directed at the referee. This hefty punishment has raised eyebrows, as the player initially faced the possibility of up to 12 matches for his behavior.
The suspension means Correa will miss five key matches for Atlético, including upcoming fixtures against FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol, and Sevilla FC, as well as the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Barcelona. If Atlético Madrid advances past Real Madrid in their Champions League matchup on March 12, the Argentinian forward could possibly return on April 20 against Las Palmas.
Reacting to his expulsion and the subsequent fallout, Correa took to social media to share his feelings of remorse. He stated, "I want to apologize to referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández for my reaction after being sent off. My respect for referees is total and this reaction is not typical of me. I was very heated for leaving the team with ten players at such a delicate moment and I reacted in the worst way. I hope he accepts my deepest apologies. I also want to apologize to my teammates, our coaches, and our fans for an action I should not have performed, which has cost us dearly."
Despite his heartfelt apology, the RFEF dismissed any arguments from Atlético de Madrid for leniency, clarifying the severity of Correa's insults. The committee pointed out: "Although it is commendable to apologize, such expressions cannot be justified, even if the match's outcome or its progression might provoke greater tension or anxiety. This does not negate the disrespect shown toward the referee. Our decision remains firm: the minimum suspension penalty for such offenses is four games, which we have already imposed."
The Atletico club, currently only one point behind both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, indicated they would appeal the suspension, arguing Correa did not deserve to be sent off. Their appeal included claims of "manifest material error" and urged the more lenient treatment for the verbal insults, arguing they should be classified under contempt rather than severe misconduct.
Nonetheless, the committee stood firm on its ruling, stating Atlético had failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn the expulsion based on their arguments. The club's appeal noted the need for evidence of the purported error, which they could not substantiate.
This has put Atlético Madrid in a tough position as they continue to navigate the tight leagues where every point counts. The absence of their forward could impact their chances as the season progresses, especially with the intensifying Copa del Rey and LaLiga fixtures looming over them.
Correa's suspension feels like both punishment and lesson learned. It serves as a reminder of the standards expected from players on the pitch and how moments of frustration can lead to significant consequences. His commitment to discipline and respect on the field will be under scrutiny as he looks to return to play.
With the team’s future hanging by the thread of every match and the echoes of his outburst still looming, Atlético and Correa have much to reflect upon as they head forward. The outcome of their appeal may dictate not just Correa's return to the pitch, but the very direction of Atlético’s title ambitions for the season.