Former ref Pérez Burrull slams De Jong red card: 'Clear as day, leg was way too high'
Respected Spanish referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull weighs in on the controversial Frenkie De Jong dismissal against Mbappé, backing the official's decision on Radio MARCA.
Former Spanish referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull has backed the controversial decision to send off Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, insisting the Dutchman’s high boot against Mbappé left the official with no choice.
‘Clear red card’
The Cantabrian official, speaking on Radio MARCA’s flagship show ‘Marcador’, was adamant about the incident that sparked heated debate among football fans across Spain:
“It looks like a red because he raises his leg too high and catches Mbappé,” Burrull explained, leaving little room for interpretation on what he viewed as a straightforward decision by referee Munuera.
Respected voice in Spanish officiating
Pérez Burrull’s opinion carries significant weight in Spanish football circles. The Comillas-born official enjoyed a distinguished career in the Spanish top flight after making his Primera División debut back in September 1997, overseeing a 1-1 draw between Deportivo La Coruña and Mallorca.
His career highlights include:
- Handling numerous high-stakes fixtures throughout the 2000s
- Earning respect for making tough decisions under pressure
- Receiving the prestigious “Silbato de Oro” (Golden Whistle) award in 2007 for his contributions to Spanish refereeing
Radio MARCA’s expert analyst
These days, Pérez Burrull brings his expertise to Radio MARCA’s “Marcador” program, where he offers professional analysis on controversial refereeing decisions - a proper bobby dazzler for listeners seeking clarity on the game’s most contentious moments.
The show itself has become a fixture for Spanish football fans, with presenters Pablo López, Israel Herraiz and Pedro Pablo Parrado delivering live commentary and analysis across major sporting events. Burrull’s addition provides that crucial referee’s perspective, making the broadcast more educational for the average punter trying to understand the beautiful game’s more complex decisions.