Controversial referee appointment for Villarreal-Real Madrid

The referee for Real Madrid's trip to Villarreal is now official. Jesus Gil Manzano has been appointed to the matchday three encounter, a decision which has not gone down well with Villarreal. 

The reason being Gil Manzano was the VAR last weekend when Villarreal lost at Levante, a match in which Levante won 2-1 thanks to two penalties in a controversial game. Gil Manzano called the referee over to give the first penalty and then ordered a retake after goalie Andres Fernandez had come off his line early. 

Villarreal have reacted with anger to the news that he will be officiating at home to Real Madrid on Sunday 1st September. 

In addition, the official took charge of this fixture back in the 2016-17 season when Real Madrid controversially won 2-3. After that match, the referee was spotted leaving the stadium with a Real Madrid bag which included souvenirs such as pens, pins and keyrings. These images went around the world.