Real Madrid Demands LaLiga President Tebas Resign Amid Referee Dispute

Real Madrid has called for the resignation of LaLiga president Javier Tebas, citing "intolerable" and "inappropriate" behavior after he publicly dismissed the club's concerns about refereeing decisions. The Spanish giants were particularly angered by Tebas's response to an article suggesting a "conspiracy" against Real Madrid, in which he stated that such claims meant one was "living in another galaxy."

The dispute stems from the Madrid derby on Sunday, which Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid issued an official statement condemning the "very terrible refereeing" by Ortiz Arias, highlighting two specific incidents they believed warranted red cards.

The club's statement detailed that Cristian Romero should have been sent off for a stamp on Jude Bellingham, and Lee Kang-In for a challenge on Federico Valverde. Real Madrid also pointed out that Ortiz Arias reviewed an incident involving Romero on the monitor but did not issue a card, while failing to take similar action for Kang-In's challenge.

Manager Jose Mourinho was also vocal in his criticism, expressing frustration in a press conference and presenting printed images of fouls he deemed worthy of red cards. He suggested the referee was unqualified and lacked the stature for such a high-pressure match, also questioning the role of the VAR official.

Tebas's prior comments, which Real Madrid labeled "unbecoming of a responsible administrator," suggested that claims of referees being directed against Real Madrid served as an excuse for the team's shortcomings. He implied it was more comfortable to point to a conspiracy than to analyze performance on the pitch.

Real Madrid asserted that Tebas's use of his institutional position to discredit the club was unacceptable and argued that Spanish professional football urgently needs a leader committed to neutrality. They stated that Tebas's criticism of their sporting strategy was "absurd and irresponsible."

The loss to Atletico Madrid leaves Real Madrid fourth in the league standings, six points behind leaders Barcelona. The match itself saw Real Madrid reduced to 10 men after Dean Huijsen's foul in the penalty box, which led to Atletico's opening goal.