Fans and commentators can't believe why Angel Correa was sent off in the Madrid derby

Substitute Angel Correa was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute for an off-the-ball incident involving Antonio Rudiger.

As Mario Hermoso took a throw-in, Rudiger went down holding his chest.

The incident was reviewed on the pitch-side monitor by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, who showed a straight red card to Correa for violent conduct.

This decision surprised many people, including the commentators and, of course, Atletico boss Diego Simone.

Video: Angel Correa’s red card for Atletico vs Real Madrid

Watch the incident here:

A straight red card for Angel Correa who just came on as a half time substitute and was deemed to have elbowed Rudiger by the referee 🟥

"For me, this is not a red card. It's not even a yellow card!" 🎙@LaLigaTV pic.twitter.com/h9sKpaiOZY

— Watch Rangers v Celtic live on Viaplay 🏆 (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 25, 2023

While it wasn’t the smartest move from Correa, did his actions really warrant a straight red card?

Rudiger’s theatrical reaction possibly made the incident look worse than it really was.

How did Diego Simeone react?

Simeone, taking charge of Atletico for a record-equalling 425th time in La Liga, highlighted the height difference between the two players following the decision to send off his forward.

Correa elbowed Rudiger and Simeone's justification is Correa is too small to do that LMAOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/a2mBcK0w0u

— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) February 25, 2023

What did the commentators say?

Former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman, providing co-commentry for another broadcaster, said while analysing the incident: “There’s nothing in that. How can you give a red card for that? Rudiger goes down as if he’s been punched by the heavyweight champion of the world.”

📸 - Official VAR released images of Correa elbowing Rudiger. pic.twitter.com/GoslfK72b2

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) February 25, 2023

What happened after Correa’s red card?

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Atletico took the lead in the 78th minute through Jose Gimenez.

However, 18-year-old Alvaro Rodriguez levelled the scores with five minutes left of normal time to close the gap on league-leaders Barcelona to seven points.

Barcelona, though, will increase their lead over Madrid to 10 points if they defeat Almeria away from home on Sunday.