Real Madrid TV hits back after Juanma Castano apologises for ETA comparison

Real Madrid TV has responded again to Juanma Castano after the journalist publicly apologised for comparing the club’s official channel with newspaper Gara.

Castano made the comparison in an article published by ABC. Gara closed in 1999 and was part of the financial and organisational network of the terrorist group ETA.

Real Madrid issued a statement after the remarks, saying: “Our club believes that comparing Real Madrid’s official media outlet with a newspaper whose history is linked to the world of the terrorist group ETA is an extremely serious act which crosses every boundary.”

Castano subsequently apologised on his programme El Partidazo.

“It was an exaggeration,” he said. “The comparison was unnecessary, and I apologise for comparing Real Madrid TV with Gara. I am sorry about that.”

However, the Cadena COPE journalist maintained his criticism of the channel.

“My opinion of Real Madrid TV is the same as it was in the rest of the article, as it was yesterday, and as it will remain until they change their behaviour,” Castano said.

“Real Madrid TV lies, manipulates, points the finger and harasses people.”

Following the apology, presenter Alvaro de la Lama discussed Castano’s comments on Real Madrid Conecta, the club’s programme.

“We should never cross the boundaries involved in comparing Real Madrid TV with Gara, given what this country has suffered in that context,” de la Lama said.

“I will not get involved in this matter because it does not deserve it. Juanma Castano apologises on his radio programme. Is that apology acceptable? Everyone is free to act as they wish.”

De la Lama then questioned whether Castano’s apology had gone far enough.

“My impression, and my personal opinion, is that he was keen to continue along the same lines,” he said. “How? By calling us liars. By calling us manipulators.”

“Liars and manipulators in what sense? There are images that prove what we have been arguing day after day regarding the refereeing system.”

De la Lama also said he regarded the dispute as personal because of the nature of the comparison.

“There is nothing personal in this matter,” he said. “I say that because, in Juanma Castano’s case, it appears to be personal. I would not allow anyone to compare me with any terrorist group, or with any media outlet that supports or supported a terrorist group.”

“And now I am speaking to you as Alvaro de la Lama: nobody will compare me with that. You apologise, but then you go on saying ‘liars and manipulators’. There are images that prove the opposite.”