Mourinho and Real Madrid condemn officiating after derby defeat

Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium on September 20, 2026, during the city's first derby of the season. Following the match, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho held a press conference where he presented photographs of two fouls committed by Atletico players Cristian Romero and Kang-In Lee against Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, respectively. Mourinho and the club argued that both incidents warranted red cards, which referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias failed to issue.

The club's official channel, Real Madrid TV, launched a scathing attack on La Liga and the officiating, announcing that it would stop analyzing match tactics due to perceived bias. Player Jude Bellingham was also seen confronting the referee at full time, shouting that two red cards had been missed. Reports suggest that the match referee, Ortiz Arias, faces a potential suspension of at least two matches from La Liga duties following the controversy. Real Madrid now trails league leaders Barcelona by six points after seven matchdays.