TEBAS SLAMS REAL MADRID OVER REFEREEING CLAIMS

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has criticised Real Madrid’s reaction to controversial refereeing decisions in their 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid, saying the club’s claims of bias against it are unfair to the league, other clubs and supporters.

Tebas said he understood Real Madrid’s complaints but disagreed with the manner in which they had been presented. He also rejected suggestions that the competition was being manipulated against the Spanish giants.

The LaLiga president addressed the incident involving Atlético defender Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham, saying he did not believe the challenge warranted a red card because Romero appeared to have reached the ball first.

Tebas also discussed Lee Kang-in’s challenge on Federico Valverde. Unlike the Bellingham incident, he acknowledged that the challenge could have resulted in a red card, although he said the incident happened quickly and could be interpreted differently.

The refereeing controversy followed Atlético’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on September 20. Real Madrid had complained about the failure to send off Romero and Kang-in, while the club also criticised the decision that eventually resulted in Dean Huijsen being sent off.

The dispute has since escalated, with Real Madrid calling for Tebas to leave his position as LaLiga president, accusing him of repeatedly attacking the club and questioning his neutrality.

The controversy continues as both sides maintain opposing positions over the refereeing decisions and the broader debate surrounding officiating in Spanish football.