La Liga President Javier Tebas Slams Real Madrid’s ‘Conspiracy’ Narrative After Derby Loss to Atletico Madrid
La Liga president Javier Tebas has vehemently criticised Real Madrid's claims of a refereeing "conspiracy" following their 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on September 20, 2026, branding their narrative as an excuse for on-pitch shortcomings.
La Liga president Javier Tebas launched a scathing attack on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, against what he described as Real Madrid's persistent accusations of a refereeing 'conspiracy'. His comments came in the wake of Real Madrid's heated 2-1 derby loss to rivals Atletico Madrid just two days prior, a match that saw a controversial red card incident and sparked fury from Los Blancos' camp. Tebas dismissed the claims as a smokescreen for the club's own performance issues. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr Hits Brace for Al-Nassr U17, Recreates Father’s Iconic 'Siuu' Celebration.
Javier Tebas Slams Real Madrid
He leído el comunicado. Coincido plenamente en una frase: el presidente de LaLiga no es el dueño de la competición. El presidente del Real Madrid tampoco.
Representar a todos los clubes exige defender la igualdad y la equidad entre ellos. También cuando se sostiene que «LaLiga… https://t.co/ELFccrWbUg
— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) September 22, 2026
The Controversial Derby
The flashpoint occurred during the La Liga Matchday 7 fixture on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Real Madrid in a highly charged encounter.
| Teams | Score | Venue | Competition | Date & Time (CEST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atletico Madrid | 2-1 | Riyadh Air Metropolitano | La Liga 2026/27, MD 7 | Sep 20, 2026, 18:50 |
Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card in the 52nd minute for a last-man foul. Atletico capitalised immediately, with Alejandro Grimaldo converting the resulting penalty in the 53rd minute. Jonathan David then doubled Atletico's lead in the 59th minute. Despite a late consolation header from Antonio Rüdiger in the 89th minute, Real Madrid could not recover. Following the match, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho publicly criticised the officiating, presenting screenshots during his post-match press conference to argue that two Atletico players should have been sent off in the first half.
Javier Tebas's Fiery Retort
Tebas took to social media on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, to directly address a pro-Real Madrid article that propagated the "conspiracy" narrative. He minced no words in his lengthy rebuttal, stating, "Here they go again, the mouthpieces and the regime's television, building the same old narrative — the permanent conspiracy."
He further added, "Claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy. That narrative serves as an excuse to cover up other shortcomings that are plain to see in these first matches of the season. It's more comfortable to point to a conspiracy than to explain what's happening on the pitch." Tebas also questioned the premise of refereeing based on revenue or club badge, asserting that "the competition belongs to no one."
Real Madrid Fires Back
Hours after Tebas's remarks, Real Madrid issued a strongly worded official statement on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, condemning the La Liga president's comments as 'intolerable' and 'unbecoming of a responsible manager.' The club accused Tebas of an 'obsession' with Real Madrid and argued that his conduct was 'damaging the image of Spanish football.' Furthermore, Real Madrid called for a change in leadership, stating that the competition 'urgently needs a leader capable of managing it and developing its full potential while fulfilling the basic duty of neutrality.' Calicut FC Defender Rijohn Jose Dies in Bike Accident Ahead of Super League Kerala 2026.
League Context
The derby loss saw Real Madrid drop to fourth place in the La Liga standings after seven rounds, now sitting six points adrift of early leaders and reigning champions Barcelona. Barcelona currently boast a perfect record with 21 points, having won all seven of their league matches. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's victory propelled them to second place in the table.
The ongoing war of words between La Liga's top brass and one of its biggest clubs underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding refereeing decisions and competitive integrity in Spanish football's elite division. This latest exchange suggests a prolonged period of animosity between the two powerful entities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 09:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
