Referees appointed for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals

On a day of controversy for referees, as Spanish football is still reeling from Real Madrid's controversial comeback against Almeria in La Liga, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has published the quarter-final assignments for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Celta Vigo will play Real Sociedad, Mallorca will face Girona, Athletic will host Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will take on Sevilla.

The main referees and VAR for each match will be, respectively, Cesar Soto Grado and Carlos del Cerro Grande, Jose Luis Munuera Montero and Valentin Pizarro Gomez, Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez and Eduardo Prieto Iglesias, and Jesus Gil Manzano and Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez. The most exciting matches are expected to be those at San Mames and the Civitas Metropolitano.

Hernandez Hernandez was in the VOR room of the Santiago Bernabéu's light fixture which, on Sunday, gave so much to talk about. Up to three actions were reviewed in the closing stages of the game and, to top it all off, a goal by Vinicius, the equaliser for Carlo Ancelotti's side, was ruled valid, with many doubts as to whether the ball hit his shoulder or the stretch between it and his elbow.

The referee will therefore be back in action in three days' time when Sevilla visit Atletico Madrid with Gil Manzano, one of the most recognisable faces in big games such as 'Clasicos' and derbies, as his partner on the pitch. 

 

January 22, 2024