Atletico Madrid Criticizes Real Madrid for Pressuring Referees
Atletico Madrid criticizes Real Madrid for pressuring referees, firing back with a strong statement amid growing tension in Spanish football. Their response comes after Real Madrid’s latest actions protesting against the officiating system, leading to further controversy before major matches.
Atletico Madrid Responds to Real Madrid’s Escalation
In a bold statement released through Spanish newspaper Marca, Atletico Madrid slammed Real Madrid’s behavior towards referees.
“This is intolerable. Stop tarnishing the image of Spanish football. Stop harassing referees now,” Atletico declared, making their stance crystal clear.
The fiery reaction came after Real Madrid issued its own complaint against referees, boycotting a mandatory training session and press conference at the venue of the Copa del Rey final.
Atletico Revives an Earlier Campaign
Atletico Madrid revived the slogan #StopAcosoArbitralYa, which they had previously used when facing Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League earlier this season.
At that time, Atletico fans and officials accused Real Madrid of mounting an organized campaign to pressure referees, notably using their official media channels to fuel controversy. Atletico also criticized what they called an “army of loyal journalists” helping to spread unfounded accusations aimed at influencing refereeing decisions before important games.
Full Support for Referees Amid the Growing Tension
As tensions escalate, Atletico Madrid continues to stand behind the referees.
“We express our full support and solidarity with the refereeing staff, their families, and friends. The football community is going through difficult days. All our support and courage to them,” their statement added.
Renewed Criticism Ahead of the Copa del Rey Final
With the Copa del Rey final approaching, Atletico Madrid once again criticized Real Madrid’s attempts to influence referees. They described these tactics as systematic efforts that not only threaten fair competition but also tarnish the reputation of Spanish football itself.
Through strong and public condemnation, Atletico Madrid criticizes Real Madrid for pressuring referees, sending a clear message that such actions have no place in the sport.
