Javier Tebas, the president of Spain’s La Liga, has sharply rejected claims that refereeing decisions were deliberately aimed at Real Madrid. The criticism followed a post‑match press conference in which Real manager Jose Mourinho accused officials of making key errors after a 2‑1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last week.
Mourinho presented printed screenshots to the media, arguing that Atletico should have received two red cards in the first half. He also highlighted the impact of a red card to defender Dean Huijsen, which left Real down to ten men for the remainder of the match.
In response, Tebas posted on social media that "claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy." He added that such narratives serve as excuses to cover up shortcomings that are evident in the early matches of the season.
Real Madrid issued a statement calling Tebas’ remarks "intolerable" and "particularly serious and incomprehensible." The club accused the La Liga president of attempting to discredit Real and damaging the image of Spanish football worldwide. It urged for a leader who could manage the competition with neutrality and honesty.
Real currently sit fourth in La Liga, six points behind league leaders Barcelona, who have won all seven of their games this season. The controversy follows Tebas’ past criticisms of Real and its president Florentino Perez over the club’s 2021 European Super League bid.
Moving forward, Real Madrid will look to rebound in their upcoming fixtures while the Spanish football community watches how the league’s leadership responds to the escalating tensions.
