Roncero accuses referee of ‘Negreira in its purest form’ after Real Madrid derby defeat

Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano prompted a furious response from journalist Tomas Roncero, who described referee Ortiz Arias’s performance as “Negreira in its purest form”.

The result dealt another blow to Jose Mourinho’s side in the title race, leaving them six points behind leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid struggled to create any genuine danger for Jan Oblak, while Atletico took advantage of a mistake by defender Dean Huijsen. The defender was sent off after a penalty was awarded to Giuliano, with Grimaldo converting from the spot to put the home side ahead.

Mourinho attempted to alter the match from the bench as Real Madrid searched for a way back into the game, but his substitutions failed to produce the desired effect.

Atletico then strengthened their position when Jonathan David doubled their lead following an excellent pass from Giuliano. Diego Simeone’s side had taken firm control of the capital derby before Real Madrid’s response.

The match attracted considerable attention because of the refereeing decisions, with Roncero among the most prominent critics of Ortiz Arias. The journalist, who is close to Real Madrid and works with AS and El Chiringuito, used his personal account on X to voice his complaints.

Roncero began questioning the referee’s decisions during the opening stages after an incident that did not result in a yellow card.

“Baena was let off with a yellow card after only 15 minutes. Everything is fine, Jose Luis,” he wrote.

He continued to list incidents he believed should have brought further punishment, including a challenge by Kang-in Lee and Cuti Romero’s tackle on Jude Bellingham. He also referred to two other incidents involving Baena.

“Forgiveness for Kang-in. And also Cuti Romero on Jude. And the two yellow cards Baena was spared. The disgraceful work of Garcia Ortiz. Atletico should have gone into the interval with eight players,” Roncero posted.

His criticism then became more direct, as he used the phrase “Negreira in its purest form” to condemn the way he believed Ortiz Arias had handled the derby.

Roncero returned specifically to the incident involving Cuti Romero, arguing that the Atletico defender should have been sent off.

“The disgraceful red card that was overlooked for Cuti Romero. Shameful refereeing manipulation,” he wrote on X.

Concluding his reaction to the match, Roncero called the derby “purely satirical”. He made clear that his complaint was not about Real Madrid’s performance, but about what he considered to be obvious refereeing controversy during the game.