La Liga president Javier Tebas rejects Real Madrid 'conspiracy' claims as 'in another galaxy'

La Liga president Javier Tebas on Tuesday dismissed accusations of a refereeing "conspiracy" aimed at Real Madrid as "in another galaxy" after the club's 2-1 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid on Sunday. His rebuttal was posted on social media in response to a pro-Real article alleging such a plot against the 15-time European champions.

José Mourinho had taken two printed screenshots of what he regarded as red-card tackles by Atlético players into his post-match press conference, prompting public scrutiny of the officiating. Tebas, who has frequently clashed with Real Madrid and the club's outspoken president, Florentino Pérez, issued a lengthy riposte on social media to the article's claims.

Tebas wrote: "Here they go again, the mouthpieces and the regime’s television, building the same old narrative – the permanent conspiracy." He continued: "This article goes further – it claims that referees harm 'the business that feeds them'. What exactly is it asking for? Refereeing based on revenue, viewership, or the badge? What a way to understand equality in the competition."

On the competition's value, Tebas added: "Real Madrid are crucial to La Liga. But claiming that 'La Liga is worth nothing' without them reveals the disdain for the other clubs, their fans, and their history. The competition belongs to no one." Those remarks formed the core of his response to the allegations directed at match officials.

Tebas also said: "Claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy." He argued: "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."

Madrid have made a stuttering start and sit six points behind the reigning champions and early leaders, Barcelona. Tebas's comments followed Mourinho's post-match intervention and the pro-Real article that prompted his social media riposte.