Not even 48 hours after the derby between Atletico and Real Madrid, the fire is still raging. Referee Ortiz Arias’ performance is the central topic in the Spanish media. Real Madrid are furious over challenges by Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee that went unpunished with red cards. Jose Mourinho, in particular, was very vocal at the post-match press conference. ’The Special One’ called Arias a pathetic referee and said VAR official Daniel Trujillo had “butter on his head” and a history of decisions going against Real Madrid. Numerous figures from Spanish football have since spoken out, with the latest being La Liga president Javier Tebas.Makelele blasts Real and Mourinho He took to Twitter to comment on an article reflecting the mood at Real Madrid after their defeat in the “Madrileno” derby, and used the opportunity to defend the competition.“When it’s not Negreira, it’s the referee; when it’s not the referee, then they complain that he doesn’t have an international licence. Any club can be refereed by both international and domestic referees. Nobody is entitled to refereeing on demand,” Tebas wrote.Mou's show at the presser – brought photos, blasted the refereesTebas continued by defending the competitiveness of the league and highlighting Real Madrid’s importance, but also took a sharp swipe at the Madrid club over the messages they are sending to the public:“Real Madrid are extremely important to La Liga. But claiming that ‘La Liga is worth nothing’ without them only shows contempt for the other clubs, their supporters and their history. This competition is nobody’s private property” said La Liga president.21:00: (2.10) Notts County (3.35) Grimzby (3.25)Finally, he turned his attention to what is happening on the pitch itself, suggesting that the protests are merely a smokescreen for the weaknesses Mourinho’s team has shown at the start of the season:“To claim that referees are being instructed to act against Real Madrid is to live in another galaxy. That story serves only as an alibi to hide deficiencies that are plain to see in these opening games of the season. It is much easier to invent a conspiracy than to explain what is actually happening on the pitch. Take the blindfolds off. It’s only September, and they are already declaring the league illegitimate. No reasonable person believes in that eternal alibi anymore,” Tebas concluded.
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