Tebas tells Real Madrid referees conspiracy claim is living in another galaxy
La Liga president Javier Tebas has told Real Madrid they are "living in another galaxy" if they think referees are conspiring against them.
The blast followed Atlético Madrid's 2-1 win over Real on Sunday in the Madrid derby, a match between the city's two fiercest rivals. That defeat left Real, coached by José Mourinho, six points behind Barcelona in the early league table. The Guardian
Mourinho came armed with paper. He brought two printed screenshots into his post-match press conference, both showing Atlético tackles he believed were red-card offences. He said those two challenges were clear red cards and that they cost Real Madrid the match. Al Jazeera
One flashpoint stood out. Mourinho was furious that Atlético defender Cristian Romero was not sent off for a stamp on Jude Bellingham in the first half. He criticised the officials at length after the final whistle. Yahoo Sports
Atlético did not stay quiet. The club hit back at the Real boss after his criticism of the referees following the derby clash. That swift reply turned a bad defeat into a loud public argument. Sky Sports
Tebas then stepped in. As head of La Liga, the body that runs Spain's top flight, he responded on social media to a pro-Real Madrid article to rebut the conspiracy claim. To say referees are directed against Real, he said, is to live in another world. He argued the conspiracy narrative serves as an excuse to cover up shortcomings visible in Real's first matches of the season.
He tried to strike a balance. Real Madrid, led by president Florentino Pérez, are crucial to La Liga, Tebas said. But the competition belongs to no one, not even its biggest clubs.
The league picture gives the row extra heat. Barcelona are the reigning champions and the early leaders. Real, the 15-time European champions, are already chasing hard. Six points in September decides nothing, yet it is enough to make every whistle feel bigger.
Mourinho had arrived across the city in confident mood. Before the derby he said the mental strength of his team gave him belief. That confidence did not survive the evening. Reuters
What makes this stand out is the mix. A derby defeat hurts on its own. Add printed stills held up for the cameras, a rival biting back and the league president answering online, and one Sunday game keeps echoing into the week.
