Real Madrid News
La Liga president responds to Mourinho’s refereeing complaints after Real Madrid derby defeat: ‘Unfair and cruel way of putting pressure’
La Liga president Javier Tebas has weighed in on the refereeing controversy surrounding Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, acknowledging the complaints from Jose Mourinho’s side while rejecting the manner in which they were made.
The derby produced several contentious decisions, with Real Madrid particularly unhappy over incidents involving Cristian Romero, Kang-in Lee and Dean Huijsen.
The debate intensified after Mourinho publicly questioned the officiating, while Real Madrid also criticised referee Ortiz Arias.
Tebas says Real Madrid did not lose because of refereeing
Tebas accepted that Real Madrid had reasons to complain, but drew a clear line between understanding the frustration and agreeing with the way the club expressed it.
Addressing the reaction after the derby, the LaLiga president said, “I understand the complaints, but never the manner in which they were made.”
More importantly, Tebas rejected the suggestion that the controversial decisions ultimately determined the result.
After considering the major incidents from the match, he gave his assessment of their influence on the 2-1 defeat, stating, “Madrid didn’t lose because of those incidents.”
The La Liga president then addressed the decisions individually, beginning with Huijsen’s second-half dismissal.
The Real Madrid defender was sent off after VAR intervention following the foul on Giuliano Simeone, and Tebas had no reservations about the decision.
“Huijsen’s was definitely a red card,” he analysed.
Tebas disagrees with Madrid over Romero and Kang-in Lee
The more controversial part of Tebas’ assessment concerned the two first-half incidents that dominated Real Madrid’s complaints.
Romero’s challenge on Jude Bellingham was reviewed by VAR after the initial decision went against the Madrid midfielder. Tebas believed the Atletico defender’s contact did not reach the threshold for a dismissal.
“The other one, no, it wasn’t a red card. You could see he got to the ball first.”
Kang-in Lee’s challenge on Federico Valverde produced a different response. The Atletico midfielder was not shown a card, and VAR did not intervene, although the CTA has since acknowledged that the challenge should have resulted in a red card.
Tebas nevertheless considered the incident open to interpretation and explained why he understood the decision made during the match.
“It could have been a red card; it might have looked like a red card, but if you give it, nothing happens.
“And if not, the play happened so quickly that I understand what happened and that’s that.”
Tebas criticises pressure on referees
The dispute then extended beyond the pitch after Atletico posted the message ‘Stop refereeing harassment now’ on social media.
Tebas said he had not seen the post but used the opportunity to restate La Liga’s position on Real Madrid Television.
“I haven’t seen the tweet. We denounced the behaviour of Real Madrid Television some time ago and, after yesterday’s events, we must continue to uphold ethical standards.
“It’s an unfair and cruel way of putting pressure on the referee.”
With Ortiz Arias continuing to dominate the conversation after the derby, Tebas ultimately chose not to add another personal assessment of the referee’s performance.
He concluded: “It’s others who are taking centre stage, so I’m not going to give my opinion.”
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
