LaLiga President Slams Real Madrid Coach Over Referee Criticism

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has strongly criticized Real Madrid following their two-one defeat against Atlético Madrid, targeting the club's complaints about refereeing decisions. After the match, Real Madrid coach José Mourinho used A4 sheets of paper in a press conference to highlight rough tackles made by Atlético players. Mourinho argued that these challenges deserved red cards and claimed the referee was inexperienced and gave in to pressure. He specifically pointed to challenges involving Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham, and another involving Lee Kang-in and Federico Valverde. Mourinho stated that playing with nine men for fifty minutes would have changed the game, noting that his team faced difficulties after Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen received a red card in the fifty-second minute. In response to a pro-Real Madrid article on social media, Tebas criticized what he called the permanent conspiracy narrative pushed by club mouthpieces. Tebas questioned if referees should base decisions on revenue, viewership, or team badges, calling it a poor way to understand equality in the competition. He added that while Real Madrid is crucial to La Liga, claiming the league is worth nothing without them shows disdain for other clubs, their fans, and their history.