Real Madrid Call for La Liga President Javier Tebas to Resign After Derby Loss
Real Madrid have called for La Liga president Javier Tebas to resign, escalating their row with Spain’s top-flight leadership after the 2-1 derby defeat at Atletico Madrid.
Madrid derby fallout
| Item | Figure or decision | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Derby result | Atletico Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid | Real finished with 10 men at the Metropolitano |
| League position | Fourth, six points behind Barcelona | Barcelona remain unbeaten leaders |
| Major sanction | Dean Huijsen red card | Penalty awarded for a foul on Giuliano Simeone |
Madrid said Tebas had overstepped the bounds of his office by publicly dismissing their complaints over refereeing. The club argued that La Liga needs a president who can carry out the role with neutrality and said his continued conduct was unacceptable.
The dispute followed Tebas’ rejection of suggestions that officials were acting against Madrid. He said the idea of referees being instructed to harm the club was detached from reality, adding that such claims were being used to distract from problems evident in the opening games of the campaign.
Madrid’s response accused the league chief of repeatedly using his institutional platform to undermine the club. They also criticised Tebas for reacting to a digital-media article by an independent journalist while, in Madrid’s view, making inappropriate judgments about the team’s sporting planning.
Two challenges at centre of Madrid complaint
The club separately attacked referee Ortiz Arias and the VAR operation over two first-half incidents. Madrid believe Cristian “Cuti” Romero should have been dismissed for a challenge on Jude Bellingham’s knee, while they also argued that Lee Kang-In should have seen red after catching Federico Valverde on the left ankle.
Both Bellingham and Valverde are now fitness concerns after the heavy tackles, while Madrid expect their complaints about the officiating to continue through the league hierarchy.
On the pitch, the match turned when Huijsen was dismissed for pulling back Giuliano Simeone in the box. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty, Jonathan David added Atletico’s second, and Antonio Rudiger scored a late goal for the visitors.
The defeat left Jose Mourinho’s side behind Barcelona, Atletico and Real Betis after an uneven start. Mourinho’s criticism of the refereeing committee has added another layer to the confrontation, but his immediate priority is restoring focus before Madrid lose further ground in the title race.
