Sports
LaLiga president Javier Tebas dismisses Real Madrid referee-conspiracy claims as 'smokescreen'
September 22, 2026 at 11:31 AM · Updated 24d ago
Coverage
8 reports · 5 in Arabic, 3 in English · over 9 hours
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has dismissed Real Madrid's claims of a refereeing conspiracy following their 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.
- Tebas posted on X that the narrative serves "as a smokescreen to hide other shortcomings" plain to see in the season's opening matches.
- Mourinho said Madrid were denied "two clear red cards" and that referee Miguel Ortiz Arias "couldn't cope with the pressure."
- Tebas upheld Dean Huijsen's red card and said Cristian Romero "reached the ball first," rejecting calls for his dismissal.
- Tebas criticized Real Madrid's official channel for "an unjust and cruel way to pressure the referee," citing a LaLiga complaint.
- Mourinho brought printed screenshots of alleged red-card tackles by Atletico players, including Lee Kang-in's, to his post-match news conference.
- Mundo Deportivo reported the referees' association decided not to file a complaint against Mourinho, sparing him a possible four-match ban and fine.
- Real Madrid issued an official statement accusing Tebas of lacking the neutrality and integrity his role requires, calling his remarks a continuation of attacks on the club.







