Tebas hits back at Real Madrid after derby: 'They didn't lose because of those plays'

Javier Tebas stepped directly into the refereeing controversy sparked by the Metropolitano derby. The LaLiga president argued that Real Madrid's complaints over the Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee incidents do not explain the defeat, and he used the moment to criticize the club's campaign against match officials. "Real Madrid did not lose because of those plays," he said firmly.

• Tebas says the Romero and Kang-in Lee plays did not decide the derby.
• On Romero and Bellingham: "It's not a red card, you can see he touches the ball first."
• On Kang-in Lee and Valverde: "A red card can be given, it can look like a red card."
• The LaLiga president slams Real Madrid TV's campaign as "cruel and unfair."

Tebas on the Romero and Bellingham incident

The LaLiga president was clear when analyzing the clash between Cuti Romero and Jude Bellingham in the first half. In his view, the Argentine defender touches the ball before making contact with the English midfielder, so he ruled out any reason for a red card. "It's not a red card, you can see he touches the ball first," Tebas explained, downplaying one of Real Madrid's biggest complaints after the match.

Kang-in Lee's challenge on Valverde: 'A red card can be given'

Tebas was less categorical when discussing Kang-in Lee's tackle on Fede Valverde. LaLiga's top executive admitted the South Korean's action could be interpreted as worthy of a sending-off, although he justified the referee's decision because of how quickly everything happened. "A red card can be given, it can look like a red card, and if you give it nothing happens. The play was so fast that I understand what happened and that's it," he said.

Tebas criticizes Real Madrid TV's campaign against referees

Beyond the analysis of specific plays, Javier Tebas was especially tough on Real Madrid's communication strategy. The LaLiga president recalled that the organization already reported Real Madrid TV's conduct some time ago and argued that what happened after the derby makes it necessary to keep pushing on that front. "We reported Real Madrid TV's conduct a while ago, and after yesterday we have to continue with ethics," he stated.

It is a cruel and unfair way to pressure the referee.

According to the executive, the constant broadcasting of videos and criticism from the club's official channels puts extra pressure on match officials. Tebas defended that protests can be understood, but not in any form: "I understand the complaints but not the ways," he said. With that message, the LaLiga president drew a line between assessing isolated decisions and sustaining an organized campaign against referees.

The derby that reignited LaLiga's refereeing debate

The clash between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Metropolitano once again put refereeing decisions in the spotlight. Real Madrid finished the match believing that two first-half actions deserved greater punishment, while Atlético defended the referee's performance in a high-intensity duel. The controversy led to an exchange of statements with Tebas as its most visible figure.

The LaLiga president's intervention comes at a time of growing tension between Real Madrid and the institutions running Spanish football. The club's complaints go beyond decisions made on the pitch and also target how the refereeing system works as a whole. Tebas' response adds a new chapter to that increasingly strained relationship.

Frequently asked questions about the derby controversy and Tebas' words