What will happen to Thibaut Courtois after the incidents in the Atlético vs Real Madrid match?

The decision to not sanction Thibaut Courtois after the incidents that occurred during the match between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid has sparked a major debate both within the world of football and in the public opinion. The lack of punishment for the Belgian goalkeeper has been subject to numerous criticisms and has brought to the forefront issues such as fair play, violence in sports, and double standards in football.

During the match, Courtois engaged in several gestures and provocations towards the Atlético Madrid fans, which triggered a series of incidents, including objects being thrown onto the pitch. Despite these actions, the Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation decided not to impose any sanction on the Belgian goalkeeper.

Reasons for the Lack of Punishment:

The reasons given by the Competition Committee to justify their decision have been varied and, in many cases, unconvincing. These include:

• Lack of conclusive evidence: The Committee has argued that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Courtois' actions were intentional or that they directly caused the incidents.
• Context of the match: It has been argued that the context of such an intense derby can justify certain reactions from players.
• Lack of precedents: The Committee has pointed out that there are no similar cases where a player has been sanctioned for similar actions.

Criticisms of the Decision:

The decision not to sanction Courtois has been widely criticized by various sectors. The main arguments against it are as follows:

• Double standards: Many believe that the Committee's decision is a clear example of double standards, as on other occasions more severe penalties have been imposed for less serious offenses.
• Lack of exemplarity: By not sanctioning Courtois, a wrong message is sent to other players, giving them the impression that they can behave similarly without consequences.
• Lack of respect for the opponent: Courtois' actions were clearly provocative and showed a lack of respect for the Atlético Madrid fans.
• Risk of violence: By not taking strong measures, there is a risk of similar incidents being repeated in the future, which could create a climate of violence in stadiums.

The decision not to sanction Thibaut Courtois has left a bitter taste in Spanish football. The lack of transparency and the apparent lack of clear criteria in the application of disciplinary rules create a sense of injustice and lack of fairness. It is essential that the competent bodies take measures to prevent situations like this from recurring in the future and to ensure that all players are treated fairly and equitably.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Courtois' lack of punishment highlights the need for a deep reflection on the role of football in society and on the importance of promoting values such as respect, tolerance, and fair play.