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Real Madrid want a new La Liga president in light of what they called “intolerable” comments from the incumbent, Javier Tebas, who said on Tuesday that claims of officiating bias against the club belonged to “another galaxy”.
After losing 2-1 to Atlético Madrid on Sunday, Real headlined the match report on their website, “Terrible refereeing decides the derby.”
Real were furious that Atlético’s defender Cristian Romero was not sent off for a stamp on Jude Bellingham and also complained about a challenge by Lee Kang-in on Federico Valverde.
Real’s manager, José Mourinho, aimed sharp criticism at the referee, Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias, and those who appointed him. Mourinho said his side could win the title “if they let us compete on a level playing field”.
He brought two printed screenshots of what he thought were red-card tackles committed by players to his post-match press conference.
Tebas responded to a pro-Real article on social media with a lengthy riposte to allegations 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,” said Tebas, who has often been at odds with Real Madrid and the club’s outspoken president, Florentino Pérez.
“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.
“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 responded with a statement on their website, saying: “Our club considers it intolerable that the president of La Liga uses his institutional position to continue discrediting and attacking Real Madrid.
“Given this inappropriate and persistent behaviour, we believe that the professional football competition in Spain urgently needs a leader capable of managing it and realising its full potential with the fundamental duty of neutrality.“
Real sit six points behind the reigning champions and early leaders, Barcelona.
