Madrid Derby Fallout Deepens as Atlético Responds to Mourinho’s Referee Claims

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 22, 2026 | Madrid, Spain

MADRID — The aftermath of Sunday’s Madrid derby has moved beyond the pitch after Atlético Madrid responded to José Mourinho’s criticism of the refereeing in Real Madrid’s 2–1 defeat.

Mourinho arrived at his post-match press conference holding printed images of two first-half incidents involving Atlético players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in, arguing that both challenges should have resulted in red cards.

Atlético subsequently used its social-media channels to respond with a video carrying the message “Stop refereeing harassment now”, directly addressing the controversy surrounding Mourinho’s comments.

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Mourinho questions key decisions

The dispute followed Atlético’s 2–1 victory at the Metropolitano on September 20.

Mourinho argued that Romero should have been dismissed after a challenge involving Jude Bellingham, while Lee Kang-in should also have received a red card for a challenge on Federico Valverde.

The Real Madrid manager also questioned the appointment of referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias, pointing to his age and lack of international experience. Mourinho additionally raised questions about VAR official Daniel Trujillo Suárez and the decision-making surrounding the incidents.

Real Madrid’s own official match report similarly criticized the officiating, stating that Romero and Lee avoided dismissal before Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off in the second half.

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Atlético’s response

Atlético chose a social-media response rather than a lengthy public statement. The club’s video deliberately echoed Mourinho’s use of printed photographs during his press conference before displaying its message calling for an end to what it described as harassment of referees.

Atlético coach Diego Simeone also addressed the controversy after the match. He said coaches in prominent positions, including himself and Mourinho, needed to be careful about what they said publicly and should maintain respect toward referees and fellow professionals.

Simeone instead emphasized Atlético’s performance, saying his team had controlled the match during both the 11-against-11 period and after Real Madrid went down to 10 players.

What happened on the field?

The derby remained goalless until the second half, when the match changed dramatically.

In the 50th minute, Huijsen was sent off after a VAR review of his foul on Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty to put Atlético ahead.

Jonathan David then extended Atlético’s advantage in the 59th minute before Antonio Rüdiger pulled one back for Real Madrid late in the match. Atlético held on for a 2–1 victory.

Real Madrid’s account of the match maintains that the earlier incidents involving Romero and Lee should have produced dismissals, while Atlético’s response focuses on the wider issue of public criticism of referees.

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Wider debate over refereeing

The argument has continued beyond the two clubs.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas rejected claims of a systematic refereeing conspiracy against Real Madrid, saying such allegations were unfounded. His comments came amid renewed debate over the treatment of referees in Spanish football.

The controversy therefore now involves several separate positions: Mourinho’s criticism of specific decisions, Real Madrid’s official account of the match, Atlético’s call for an end to pressure on referees, Simeone’s appeal for restraint, and Tebas’s rejection of broader conspiracy claims.

For Atlético, the immediate outcome remains the derby victory. For Real Madrid, the focus has shifted toward the refereeing decisions that Mourinho believes influenced the contest.

The dispute is likely to remain part of the conversation around the two Madrid clubs as the season continues.