Madrid derby labelled ‘biggest refereeing scandal’ as Mourinho faces criticism

The Madrid derby between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid has triggered fierce debate in Spain, with journalist Javier Tinto describing the match as the “biggest refereeing scandal” he had seen in La Liga.

The discussion followed Atletico’s victory and Jose Mourinho’s criticism of the refereeing committee. Several analysts accused the Portuguese manager of deflecting attention from Real Madrid’s problems by focusing on officiating.

Javier Tinto, Fernando Polo, Nacho Labarga, Antonio Sanz, Jorge Liano and Pepe Pasques assessed the derby, the refereeing controversy and Mourinho’s comments on the La Marca programme on Radio Marca.

Tinto said: “It is the biggest refereeing scandal I have seen in a La Liga match. When have you ever seen two red cards not being shown in the 40th minute? The game changes at that moment. Atletico should have continued the match with nine players from the 40th minute.

“If Real Madrid had faced a team with nine players, they would have won heavily. It is a scandal and a robbery at gunpoint.”

Polo questioned whether the appointment of the referee, which he said had been made in good faith and was not an isolated occurrence, justified a broader investigation into refereeing after seven rounds and before the international break.

“You cannot launch a full investigation into refereeing simply because Real Madrid have lost a match,” he said. “That is what Mourinho was trying to achieve. Where are we now? Are we talking about Real Madrid’s style of play or the existence of a refereeing conspiracy?”

Labarga described referee Ortiz Arias as a risky appointment for the fixture.

“The match was slightly bigger than his capabilities,” he said. “He was under enormous pressure and was not up to the level of the game. Real Madrid needed an electric shock from Mourinho, but he is not providing it.”

Simeone’s approach was also praised by Antonio Sanz, who said Atletico manager Diego Simeone had given Mourinho “a harsh lesson”.

“Real Madrid’s problem is the current Barcelona team,” Sanz added. “Real Madrid have had four managers, while Barcelona have had one. Barcelona’s overwhelming sporting situation is causing Real Madrid serious harm.”

Liano offered an even more severe assessment of Real Madrid’s performances.

“Real Madrid do not play football at all and offer nothing,” he said. “The entire team lacks football. There is no idea or style, while excuses are everywhere. Talking about referees is simply an excuse.”

Pasques said Real Madrid had played eight matches, including defeats at two difficult grounds, while failing to resolve problems that had been present within the team since previous seasons.

“The press conference gave them the excuse they needed,” he said. “The team are playing badly and offering nothing.”