Real Madrid legend Manolo Sanchís has slammed referee Cuadra Fernández for failing to send off Umar Sadiq during Valencia’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker was at the heart of one of the game’s biggest talking points after catching Fede Valverde with a nasty stamp early in the second half.
Despite the challenge leaving the Uruguayan midfielder writhing in pain, Umar Sadiq was only shown a yellow card – a decision that sparked outrage among pundits and fans alike.
“It's been extremely dangerous. It didn't happen by chance,” insisted Sanchís on Tiempo de Juego radio, as per Cope.
Paco González added:
“It's ugly. This tackle is in bad faith, the one from the first half wasn't. It's a red.”
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The moment came just minutes after Vinicius Jr had pulled Real Madrid level following Mouctar Diakhaby’s opener for Valencia.
But in the dying seconds of stoppage time, Hugo Duro stunned the Bernabéu with a firm header from Rafa Mir’s low cross to snatch all three points – Valencia’s first league win away from home in nearly a year and their first victory at the Bernabéu since 2008.
The controversy around Sadiq’s challenge has refused to die down. Spanish referee analyst account on Twitter @ArchivoVAR described the tackle as a “very clear direct red card,” noting that the Nigerian forward planted his studs into the inside of Valverde’s ankle and maintained contact.
️ Festival de errores en el Santiago Bernabéu.
— Archivo VAR (@ArchivoVAR) April 5, 2025
Sadiq clava los tacos en la cara interna del tobillo de Valverde y mantiene la presión en él tras el impacto.
❌ ROJA DIRECTA CLARÍSIMA.
▪️ Lo de Cuadra Fernández y Figueroa Vázquez está siendo un auténtico caos. pic.twitter.com/cF3SFtQkKs
It was another flashpoint in an officiating performance already under scrutiny, particularly for the penalty awarded to Real Madrid for a foul on Kylian Mbappé – one the Frenchman failed to convert, drawing jeers from the home crowd.
Umar Sadiq, however, will care little about the storm.
The former Real Sociedad striker, on loan at Valencia, has enjoyed a fine start at Mestalla with four goals already, including a stunning effort in the 3-3 draw with Osasuna which earned him La Liga’s Goal of the Month award for March.
Saturday’s result marked a personal milestone for Sadiq too – his first win in four attempts against Real Madrid.
