Cristian Romero only given yellow card for studs-up challenge on Bellingham as Atletico vs Real Madrid ref DEFIES VAR

CRISTIAN ROMERO was fortunate to avoid a red card after a studs-up challenge on Jude Bellingham. The pair were both involved in their nation’s feisty World Cup semi-final earlier this year. Cristian Romero was lucky to avoid a red card after a studs-up challenge on Jude Bellingham Credit: AFP And it seemed like tempers had not calmed down since, as the pair threw themselves at a loose ball in the Madrid derby. Atletico star Romero was late to the challenge as Bellingham went to ground and cleared the ball, before they clattered in to each other. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias initially deemed the Real star to have been at fault, handing Bellingham a yellow card. He was quickly swarmed by players pleading their case, with each side blaming the nasty collision on the other. And VAR also had its reservations, spotting the grisly contact between Romero’s studs and his opponent’s lower leg. The official was sent to the pitch-side monitor to review the clash, with many fans expecting the former Tottenham defender to see red. But Arias decided that a yellow card would be punishment enough, while rescinding the caution he had previously shown Bellingham. It was far from the first yellow shown in the opening half, with that honour going to Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The clumsy tackle originally saw Bellingham booked The Argentine’s antics on the sideline earned him a caution after just six minutes of the fierce derby at Atletico’s Metropolitano. It is not surprising that Romero appeared on the referee’s list shortly afterwards – the 28-year-old had a reputation in the Premier League for picking up yellow cards. Comment now