Tebas rejects Real Madrid claims of refereeing conspiracy after derby defeat

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticised suggestions that referees are conspiring against Real Madrid after their 2-1 derby defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho displayed two printed screenshots at his post-match news conference on Sunday, highlighting tackles by Atletico players which he believed should have resulted in red cards.

Tebas responded on social media to an article supporting Real Madrid, issuing a lengthy rebuttal to claims that officials were working against the 15-time European champions.

“Here they go again, the mouthpieces and the regime’s television, building the same old narrative the permanent conspiracy,” Tebas said.

The La Liga president has frequently clashed with Real Madrid and the club’s outspoken president Florentino Perez.

“This article goes further it claims that referees harm ‘The business that feeds them’,” Tebas added.

“What exactly is it asking for? Refereeing based on revenue, viewership, or the badge? What a way to understand equality in the competition.

“Real Madrid are crucial to La Liga. But claiming that ‘La Liga is worth nothing’ without them reveals the disdain for the other clubs, their fans, and their history. The competition belongs to no one.”

Real Madrid’s inconsistent start to the season has left them six points behind reigning champions and early leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table.

Tebas also rejected the suggestion that referees were being instructed to make decisions against Mourinho’s side.

“Claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy,” he said.

“That narrative serves as an excuse to cover up other shortcomings that are plain to see in these first matches of the season.

“It’s more comfortable to point to a conspiracy than to explain what’s happening on the pitch.”

Mourinho returned for a second spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu during the close-season, with the task of ending Real Madrid’s two-year wait for a major trophy.