Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has defended Arda Güler following controversy over an alleged elbow on Sevilla forward Peque during their La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The incident sparked protests from Sevilla players, who believed the Turkish midfielder should have been sent off after appearing to make contact with Peque during a first-half challenge.
However, Mourinho insisted that Güler denied deliberately elbowing the Sevilla forward and challenged critics to provide clear footage of the incident.
“Arda told me he did not elbow him,” Mourinho said.
“The next La Liga press conference is on Saturday, so if by then someone shows me actual footage of Arda doing this, then I’d say it was a red card. I have no problem with that. So far, I’m yet to see it anywhere.”
Sevilla’s frustration centred on the referee’s decision not to take further action, with questions also raised about whether the incident warranted a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The controversy overshadowed parts of the encounter, which Real Madrid won 4-1 to secure all three points. Güler opened the scoring before Kylian Mbappé struck twice, while Diomande scored another goal to complete Madrid’s tally.
Sevilla managed a consolation goal but were unable to prevent defeat.
