La Liga President Javier Tebas has strongly criticized Real Madrid and manager Jose Mourinho for suggesting there is a coordinated effort against the club by match officials. The comments followed the Madrid derby on Sunday, which Atletico won 2-1.
Mourinho concluded his post-match press conference by displaying two printed screenshots of incidents he believed warranted red cards for Atletico players. He argued that missing these calls significantly altered the game’s outcome.
In a detailed response published on social media on Tuesday, Tebas accused certain media outlets and individuals of perpetuating a “permanent conspiracy” narrative. He criticized the suggestion that refereeing standards should be linked to revenue or viewership, stating, “What exactly is it asking for? Refereeing based on revenue, viewership or the badge? What a way to understand equality in the competition.”
Tebas also pushed back against claims that La Liga’s value is diminished without Real Madrid. “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,” he wrote.
The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between Tebas and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Currently, Real Madrid sits six points behind leaders Barcelona after a difficult start to the season.
“Claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy,” Tebas added. “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, who returned to the Santiago Bernabeu with the goal of ending a two-year trophy drought, expressed frustration over specific decisions. He pointed to a stamp by Atletico defender Cristian Romero on Jude Bellingham and a challenge on Federico Valverde by Lee Kang-in. Valencia was later diagnosed with severe trauma to his left ankle after the match.
“We could skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here,” Mourinho said, holding up the images. “Those were two clear red cards… Well, we can imagine what 50 minutes of 11 against nine would have been like if justice had been done.”
Six points behind Barcelona already and they’re whining about ref conspiracies? Seems like a classic deflection tactic to me.
It’s frustrating to see top clubs dismiss the hard work of other teams. La Liga belongs to everyone, not just the big names.
Mourinho losing his cool like this? A bit unexpected from the special one. Maybe he’s just stressed about the trophy drought.
I watched the Valencia incident myself. That stamp on Bellingham was textbook red. Why are officials ignoring that?
Tebas is absolutely right. Blaming referees for losses is a lazy excuse when your team just wasn’t good enough on the pitch.