Tebas and Real Madrid clash over refereeing controversy after Atletico defeat

A fresh dispute has erupted between La Liga president Javier Tebas and Real Madrid after the club criticised the officiating in their 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid described the derby as a match overshadowed by “catastrophic refereeing errors” and complained that referee Ortiz Arias failed to send off Cristian Romero and Kang of Atletico Madrid.

The result, in the seventh round of La Liga, was marked by controversy. Atletico Madrid’s victory moved them to 16 points in second place, five behind leaders Barcelona, while Real Madrid remained third on 15 points.

Tebas responded by sharing an article by an independent journalist on his Twitter account. He wrote:

“Here they go again. The mouthpieces of the system and its television channels are repeating the same old story: the permanent conspiracy.

“If it is not Negreira, the blame falls on the referee; and if not, then it is because he is not an international referee. All clubs can have their matches officiated by international and non-international referees. No one has the right to demand refereeing on request.

“But this article goes even further. It claims that referees are harming ‘the sector that finances them’. What exactly are you asking for: refereeing based on revenue, viewing figures or the club badge? What a way to understand competitive equality.

“Real Madrid is a fundamental part of La Liga. But claiming that ‘La Liga has no value’ without it shows contempt for the other clubs, their supporters and their history.

“Competition belongs to no one. The claim that referees are biased against Real Madrid is pure fantasy. This narrative is being used as an excuse to cover up other shortcomings that are clear to see in these opening matches of the season.

“It is easier to point to a conspiracy than to explain what is happening on the pitch. My position does not depend on any official role: a refereeing mistake does not prove a conspiracy, and repeating it for years does not turn it into a fact.

“Enough with the fanaticism. September has arrived and they are accusing the league of being rigged. No sensible person believes this excuse any more.”

Real Madrid responded with a statement published on the club’s official website, criticising Tebas for using his position to attack the club.

“Our club strongly condemns the use by the president of La Liga of his official position to continue insulting and attacking Real Madrid in all his public statements,” the statement said.

“It is extremely concerning that the person responsible for representing and protecting the interests of all La Liga clubs remains obsessed with Real Madrid and repeatedly makes our club the target of his public attacks.

“His latest statement is extremely serious and incomprehensible, and unbecoming of a responsible executive. He commented on an article by an independent journalist in an online publication, attacked our club and even went so far as to assess our sporting strategy. This is completely absurd and irresponsible.”

Real Madrid also accused Tebas of damaging the image of Spanish football instead of building confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting fair competition.

“Given this continued and inappropriate conduct, we believe Spanish professional football urgently needs a leader capable of managing it and developing its full potential while preserving the essential principle of neutrality,” the club added.

“The clubs need someone who carries out this task with integrity.”

The defeat was Real Madrid’s second of the season under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, following their loss to Real Betis.

Atletico Madrid’s goals were scored by Alex Grimaldo and Jonathan David, while Antonio Rudiger scored for Real Madrid.