José Ángel Sánchez, Florentino Pérez’s right-hand man, met with Medina Cantalejo, the head of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees, this Monday at the Federation’s headquarters. Following the meeting, Real Madrid stated its position.
Since the controversial Matchday 22 fixture against Espanyol Barcelona, Real Madrid has been outspoken against refereeing decisions. Frustrated by calls that cost Carlo Ancelotti’s team three points—particularly after Kylian Mbappé was the victim of a reckless tackle that went unpunished with a red card—the club submitted strong demands to the Federation. Among them was a request to hear the conversation between the VAR and the referee regarding the incident, which clearly warranted a red card. This Monday, just hours after yet another controversial match officiated by José Luis Munuera against Real, José Ángel Sánchez met with Medina Cantalejo.
The CTA president satisfied, but not Real Madrid
Invited to listen to the requested recordings, Florentino Pérez’s right-hand man spent around an hour and a half—roughly the length of a football match—discussing various topics with the refereeing chief. After the meeting, Cantalejo stated that the discussion took place in ideal conditions. “Had we argued, the meeting would have lasted five minutes. Everything took place in a climate of understanding, cordiality, and, above all, respect,” confirmed the president of the Technical Committee of Referees.
According to Medina Cantalejo, the procedure was the same as with other teams. “We discussed a specific incident and other circumstances that arise, but these are internal matters—not because they are secret, but because they should remain between us,” he explained. While the head of Spanish referees was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, Real Madrid’s stance remained unchanged. According to José Félix Díaz, a MARCA journalist close to the club, the sentiment is clear: the system is rigged.
Real Madrid unconvinced by the Spanish refereeing system
After listening to the exchanges between the VAR and the match referee during the Espanyol game, Real Madrid still does not understand why the Catalan defender was not sent off for his challenge on Mbappé. According to sources within the club, the refereeing system is clearly biased against them. “The CTA denies any negative bias against Real Madrid in refereeing, which is to be expected, but the club sees it differently and has made this clear,” they insist.
Although they acknowledge that the meeting with the refereeing chief took place in ideal conditions, that the audios from the Espanyol match were reviewed, and that the decisions made during the game were discussed, Real Madrid remains firm in its original view of the officiating in that fixture.
“With its successes and mistakes, the system would be more acceptable for everyone if there were a general policy of transparency—both regarding refereeing decisions and the grading system, promotions, relegations, etc. The CTA claims to be open to implementing changes in this regard,” Madrid sources further stated.
One thing is certain: Florentino Pérez’s club will continue to push for a fundamental overhaul of the refereeing system. Now, all eyes are on the Spanish Federation’s upcoming decision regarding Real Madrid’s appeal against the controversial red card given to Jude Bellingham last Saturday against Osasuna.
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