Atletico Madrid issued an official response to Jose Mourinho's criticism of the refereeing in the Madrid derby. The club stressed respect for officials and urged focus on the game.
What sparked Mourinho's complaints? After the Madrid derby ended 2-1 in favour of Real Madrid, the Portuguese coach highlighted several refereeing errors, claiming they influenced the final score.
Atletico's official response
In a club statement, Atletico Madrid stressed that all referee decisions adhere to international standards and should not be publicly questioned by clubs or coaches. The club's spokesperson said, "Mutual respect between teams and officials is the foundation of the game."
The statement added that the club will keep its focus on on‑field performance ahead of the upcoming clash with Barcelona in the next La Liga round.
Background of the criticism
Mourinho, who took charge of Atletico midway through the season, has previously voiced concerns over refereeing in other fixtures, generating widespread media debate. This time, Atletico's reply is measured, avoiding any threats or formal requests to overturn decisions.
- Coach: Jose Mourinho
- Match: Madrid Derby, 21/09/2026
- Result: Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico
Discussions about refereeing standards in La Liga are likely to continue, but Atletico is now concentrating on improving results and meeting its season objectives.
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