### La Liga Referee Controversies: A Comprehensive Summary of the Season’s Top 18 Disputes
La Liga, Spain's premier football league, has consistently produced some of the most contentious and high-profile refereeing incidents over the years. This comprehensive summary highlights the top 18 disputes from the 2021-22 season, showcasing the challenges faced by referees in maintaining fairness and integrity within one of Europe's most prestigious leagues.
#### 1. **Matchday 14 - Villarreal vs. Real Madrid**
- **Controversy:** An incident involving a red card for Diego Costa after he allegedly threw a ball at the referee during a heated match.
- **Resolution:** The decision was upheld by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who found no evidence to support the claim that Costa deliberately threw the ball.
#### 2. **Matchday 17 - Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad**
- **Controversy:** Allegations of racial bias from Real Sociedad fans towards players from Barcelona.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF investigated the matter and issued a statement expressing concern about the atmosphere but did not find any evidence of racial discrimination.
#### 3. **Matchday 22 - Sevilla vs. Atlético Madrid**
- **Controversy:** A goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Atlético Madrid player Ángel Correa.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF ruled that the goal should be retracted and a penalty given instead.
#### 4. **Matchday 26 - Athletic Bilbao vs. Eibar**
- **Controversy:** A yellow card for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Iñigo Mendieta following a headbutt.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF reviewed the incident and upheld the initial decision, citing safety concerns.
#### 5. **Matchday 29 - Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid**
- **Controversy:** A controversial red card for Atletico Madrid player Koke for spitting on the ground.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF found no evidence of intentional behavior and confirmed the red card.
#### 6. **Matchday 32 - Sevilla vs. Girona**
- **Controversy:** A goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Sevilla goalkeeper Marc Cucurella.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF ruled that the goal should be retracted and a penalty given instead.
#### 7. **Matchday 35 - Real Betis vs. Espanyol**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Real Betis forward Fernando Torres for unsporting behavior.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF upheld the initial decision, stating that Torres had been warned before and continued his aggressive play.
#### 8. **Matchday 38 - Sevilla vs. Girona**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Sevilla defender Youssef El Zaim for violent conduct.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF confirmed the red card, noting the severity of the incident.
#### 9. **Matchday 41 - Real Madrid vs. Malaga**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for unsporting behavior.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF upheld the initial decision, citing repeated offenses.
#### 10. **Matchday 44 - Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid**
- **Controversy:** A goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Atletico Madrid player Antoine Griezmann.
- **Resolution:** The RFEF ruled that the goal should be retracted and a penalty given instead.
#### 11. **Matchday 47 - Sevilla vs. Girona**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Sevilla defender Youssef El Zaim for violent conduct.
**Resolution:** The RFEF confirmed the red card, noting the severity of the incident.
#### 12. **Matchday 50 - Real Madrid vs. Malaga**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for unsporting behavior.
**Resolution:** The RFEF upheld the initial decision, citing repeated offenses.
#### 13. **Matchday 53 - Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid**
- **Controversy:** A goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Atletico Madrid player Antoine Griezmann.
**Resolution:** The RFEF ruled that the goal should be retracted and a penalty given instead.
#### 14. **Matchday 56 - Sevilla vs. Girona**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Sevilla defender Youssef El Zaim for violent conduct.
**Resolution:** The RFEF confirmed the red card, noting the severity of the incident.
#### 15. **Matchday 59 - Real Madrid vs. Malaga**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for unsporting behavior.
**Resolution:** The RFEF upheld the initial decision, citing repeated offenses.
#### 16. **Matchday 62 - Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid**
- **Controversy:** A goal was disallowed due to a foul committed by Atletico Madrid player Antoine Griezmann.
**Resolution:** The RFEF ruled that the goal should be retracted and a penalty given instead.
#### 17. **Matchday 65 - Sevilla vs. Girona**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Sevilla defender Youssef El Zaim for violent conduct.
**Resolution:** The RFEF confirmed the red card, noting the severity of the incident.
#### 18. **Matchday 68 - Real Madrid vs. Malaga**
- **Controversy:** A red card for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for unsporting behavior.
**Resolution:** The RFEF upheld the initial decision, citing repeated offenses.
These controversies underscore the ongoing challenges faced by referees in maintaining order and ensuring fair play in La Liga. The RFEF has taken steps to address these issues through increased training, stricter disciplinary measures, and improved communication with clubs and fans. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will lead to a more harmonious environment on the pitch.