Real Madrid Protests Against Referees Are Considered To Destroy Spanish Football

JAKARTA - Sevilla president, Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco, criticized Real Madrid on Sunday, February 9, 2025, accusing them of trying to destroy Spanish football due to complaints over the referee's decision.

Real Madrid filed an official complaint over the referee's leadership in a 0-1 defeat to Espanyol in La Liga on February 2, 2025.

Los Blancos asked the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to release audio recordings of conversations between referees on the field and VAR (video assistant referee) about two important incidents.

One of the incidents in question is the decision not to issue defender Carlos Romero - who then scored a winning goal - for violating Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid's open letter said the Spanish refereeing system was completely distrustful. They even called the decisions that harmed them a manipulation and forgery of competitions.

"We have to differentiate between two things, be able to change the referee's system and several aspects of the referee, and Real Madrid's statement," Del Nido Carrasco told DAZN.

"It is intolerable and unacceptable. It questions the honor of referees and competitions."

"The world of football must denounce, openly and in court, statements that are against football's integrity," he said again.

Real Madrid have frequently criticized referees' decisions through their club's TV channels, including in the Madrid derby draw on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Bernabeu.

Atletico Madrid were awarded a penalty in the first half - after a VAR - for the violation of Aurelien Tchouameni against Samuel Lino.

"The worst of all is Real Madrid trying to destroy Spanish football, with Real Madrid TV, and in various ways," said Del Nido Carrasco.

"We can't tolerate clubs like Real Madrid trying to destroy us."

"First of all, we provide unconditional support to the referee. We will not tolerate it if their honor is questioned."

"Real Madrid wants to pressure them not to make decisions freely," said Del Nido Carrasco.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's draw against Atletico Madrid was 1-1, coupled with Barcelona's victory, meaning the distance of points in the top three is getting closer.

Barcelona, who are in third place, are only two points away from Real Madrid at the top and one point from Atletico Madrid on the second stairs.