La Liga president Javier Tebas says Real Madrid refereeing conspiracy claims are 'living in another galaxy'

La Liga chief rejects Real Madrid conspiracy narrative after Atletico defeat

La Liga president Javier Tebas has dismissed claims of a refereeing conspiracy against Real Madrid as "living in another galaxy", saying the narrative serves as an excuse to cover up on-pitch shortcomings.

Tebas responded on social media to a Spanish media article claiming there is a "conspiracy" against Real. "Claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy," he said. "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."

Mourinho's post-match protest

The comments follow Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho's outburst after his side were beaten 2-1 by rivals Atletico Madrid last week. Mourinho brought printouts of screenshots to the post-match news conference, claiming Atletico should have been given two red cards in the first half.

"We can skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here," Mourinho said as he showed media the printed images. "Those were two clear red cards. Given the difficulties we faced afterwards playing 11 against 10, we can only imagine what 50 minutes of 11 against nine would have been like."

Real went down to 10 men in the feisty encounter after defender Dean Huijsen was sent off.

League position and history

Real are fourth in La Liga, six points behind Barcelona who top the table on 21 points after winning all seven of their league games this season.

Tebas has had several past disputes with Real Madrid and its president Florentino Perez, after disagreeing with their plans to join a European Super League in 2021. In 2025 he said Real had "lost their head" after the club sent a formal letter of complaint to the Spanish FA about officiating in the league.