La Liga’s president, Javier Tebas, has rounded on what he described as accusations of a refereeing “conspiracy” emanating from Real Madrid in the wake of the club’s derby defeat to Atlético Madrid.
Real Madrid’s coach, José Mourinho, arrived at his post-match press conference after Sunday’s 2-1 loss with two printed screenshots, which he presented as evidence of red-card tackles committed by Atlético players that had gone unpunished. His protest formed part of a wider grievance at the officiating in the match.
Tebas responded on Tuesday to a pro-Real article on social media with a lengthy riposte, attacking the suggestion of a conspiracy 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. He has frequently been at odds with Real Madrid and the club’s outspoken president, Florentino Pérez.
The La Liga president took particular issue with the article’s claim that referees harm “the business that feeds them”. “This article goes further – it claims that referees harm ‘the business that feeds them’. What exactly is it asking for? Refereeing based on revenue, viewership, or the badge? What a way to understand equality in the competition,” he said. “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 have made a stuttering start to the season and sit six points behind the reigning champions and early leaders, Barcelona. For Tebas, that form – rather than the officiating – is the real story. “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.”