Tebas dismisses Real Madrid referee conspiracy claim after derby defeat
La Liga president Javier Tebas says anyone claiming referees are deliberately working against Real Madrid is "living in another galaxy."
He made the comment on social media in response to a Spanish media article that alleged a conspiracy against the club, BBC reported. It came after Real Madrid lost 2-1 to city rivals Atletico Madrid while down to 10 men.
Defender Dean Huijsen was sent off in that defeat. A sending-off, or red card, means a player is removed and cannot be replaced. Madrid had to finish the derby a player short.
Tebas did not hold back. "It's more comfortable to point to a conspiracy than to explain what's happening on the pitch," he said. He added that the conspiracy story "serves as an excuse to cover up other shortcomings that are plain to see in these first matches of the season."
La Liga is Spain's top division. Real Madrid are its most successful club. That status makes every refereeing call around them national news.
The Madrid derby, Real against Atletico, is one of the fiercest fixtures in Spanish football. Tempers run high. So do appeals for fouls and cards.
This is not a new argument. In February 2025, Tebas said Madrid had "lost their head" after the club sent a formal letter complaining about referees, Reuters reported. Later that month he accused the club of "crying" over decisions and building a "global conspiracy theory" through constant criticism, according to ESPN.
Tensions have spilled over before. Ahead of the Spanish Cup final, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was brought to tears when responding to a critical video aired by Real Madrid's in-house TV channel. In March 2023, Madrid even called a board meeting over alleged attempts by rivals Barcelona to influence referees, Reuters reported.
What makes this stand out is the timing. A derby defeat hurts. A red card stings more. Tebas is telling Madrid to look at the pitch first.
For fans, this means the noise will continue. Madrid feel targeted. The league says look closer. The next big call will be replayed for days.
