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'Real Madrid star is retiring' - Fans react as Spanish referee Antonio Lahoz breaks down in tears after officiating for final time in LaLiga

Spanish referee Antonio Lahoz broke down in tears after officiating his final match of his career on Sunday.

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Antonio Mateu Lahoz

Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Source: Twitter)

Antonio Mateu Lahoz Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Source: Twitter)

Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz broke down in tears after officiating the final match of his career on Sunday, May 4. Lahoz was the referee in the final LaLiga match of Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano in the 2022/23 season. He was then given a guard of honour by both teams' players and officials, with fans applauding from the stands.

Lahoz's family was also present for his final game. Lahoz's emotions were beautifully captured on camera, as he was seen hugging teammates and waving to the crowd. He could not contain his emotions when approached by his family, including his two sons, who were waiting for him just off the pitch.

Watch the video here: 

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Lahoz has been a professional referee since 1999 and has been supervising games in Spanish leagues since 2008. The 46-year-old is best known for issuing a record number of cards during Argentina's quarter-final match against the Netherlands in the Qatar World Cup. During the game, he showed 18 yellow cards, including one to Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands after Argentina had won on penalties, causing chaos on the field.

Lahoz gained a reputation as a showman for his refereeing style

His refereeing style was often controversial and earned him a reputation as a showman among football fans. However, these cannot hide the fact that he was a legend of the game as he managed several World Cups and international tournaments. He also officiated the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City in 2021.

Lahoz, however, defied the pattern in his final match, refusing to display a single card as he bowed out of LaLiga. He could have chosen to officiate elsewhere as it was the Spanish league's decision to select him for the 2023/24 season. Lahoz, a former PE teacher, had previously suggested he would return to that job once his career as a referee ended.

Talking about the match, Mallorca thrashed Rayo Vallecano 3-0. Vedat Muriqi opened the scoring for Mallorca in the 51st minute, and José Manuel Copete extended the lead in the 71st. Angel Rodriguez netted the winning goal in injury time and sealed a comfortable win for his side.

Here's how fans reacted: 

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