La Liga chief Tebas slams Real Madrid over conspiracy claims after Madrid derby

Javier Tebas, president of Spain's La Liga, launched sharp criticism at Real Madrid following the Madrid derby, which sparked widespread controversy over referee Ortiz Arias's decisions. Tebas accused the club of using media tactics to distract from shortcomings that have emerged in the team's early season performances.

In a post on X, Tebas wrote: "The club's media mouthpieces and official TV channel are already pushing the same old narrative: the ongoing conspiracy theory. If it's not about 'Negreira', it's about the referee; if not that, then it's about the referee not being international." He stressed that both international and non-international referees can officiate club matches without compromising the integrity of the competition.

Tebas rejects escalation, highlights Real Madrid's importance

Tebas acknowledged Real Madrid as a cornerstone of La Liga, but argued that acting as if the league is worthless without the club disrespects the history and fans of other teams. He added: "Claiming that referees are instructed to work against Real Madrid is pure fantasy, as if the person saying it lives in another galaxy," calling such claims a cover for the team's weaknesses.

Tebas asserted that it is easier to talk about conspiracies than to explain what happens on the pitch, urging realism and caution against baseless accusations. He said: "It's only September, yet they're already claiming the league is rigged. No reasonable person believes that tired excuse anymore."

Tebas's stance on refereeing decisions and match incidents

In earlier comments to AS newspaper, Tebas said he understands Real Madrid's right to challenge refereeing decisions, but rejected the club's methods of pressuring officials. He emphasized that referees are not solely responsible for the match outcome, stating: "Real Madrid did not lose because of those incidents."

The match featured several contentious moments that required VAR intervention. Tebas considered the red card for Dean Huijsen justified, saying: "It was undoubtedly a deserved red card." Conversely, he disagreed with Real Madrid's calls for Atletico defender Romero to be sent off for a challenge on Bellingham, explaining that the incident did not warrant a red card as the player got the ball first.