LaLiga President Javier Tebas Rebukes Claims of Referee Conspiracy Against Real Madrid

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has called claims of a refereeing conspiracy against Real Madrid "a smokescreen to hide other shortcomings" after the team's defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday's derby. Coach José Mourinho brought a printout of photos of controversial incidents to his post-match news conference, claiming referee Miguel Ortiz Arias "couldn't cope with the pressure" and denied Madrid "two clear red cards." On Tuesday, Tebas responded directly on social media X, writing: "The usual mouthpieces and the regime-aligned media are already spinning the same old narrative: the permanent conspiracy." He added: "To maintain that referees are conspiring against Real Madrid is to live in another galaxy. That narrative serves as a smokescreen to hide other shortcomings that are plain to see in these opening matches of the season." Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also rebuked the conspiracy theory, saying: "If I believed in that manipulation, I'd be better off going home, or we all would. I've lost, sometimes a lot, and I've won at other times. And I've never thought there was some hidden hand pulling the strings." With seven games played, Real Madrid sit six points behind Barcelona, who have maximum points with 31 goals scored.