Mourinho Criticizes Referees After Real Madrid's Derby Loss

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho took aim at Spain’s refereeing committee after Los Blancos lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid on Sunday in a La Liga derby.

Mourinho’s team fell to third place, now six points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona after the defeat at the Metropolitano stadium.

Madrid were upset about fouls by Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in on Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in the first half. Mourinho insisted these should have been red cards.

Early in the second half, Madrid went down to 10 men when Dean Huijsen fouled Giuliano Simeone, giving away a penalty.

“We could skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here,” Mourinho told reporters while holding a printed sheet showing the fouls he was unhappy about.

“They were two clear red cards.”

Mourinho claimed referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias “could not handle the pressure” at the Metropolitano stadium and blamed Spain’s refereeing committee, known as the CTA.

“The ones who should be really happy are the referee appointment committee because everything was very strange,” Mourinho said.

“They assign a referee who, at 41, has never been an international (referee), so it’s clearly not because he’s a great referee.”

Mourinho also mentioned the match’s VAR referee, Daniel Trujillo, has “history” with Madrid.

“This combination… a referee, a poor referee, who has only done tiny little matches, and a VAR official with a big history… well, congratulations to the referee appointment committee,” Mourinho continued.

The coach said he had “not seen” the incident that led to Huijsen’s red card.

In February 2025, Madrid made a formal complaint about Spanish refereeing to the Spanish football federation, calling it “rigged” and “completely discredited.”

The club’s television channel often criticizes officiating in Spain.

Real Madrid did not create any notable chances in a dull first half against Atletico, but Mourinho expressed satisfaction with his players.

“They played a first half of great quality, of great personality,” said the veteran Portuguese coach.

Mourinho believes his team still has a good shot at winning the Spanish title if the refereeing improves.

“If they leave us in peace and calm, if they let us compete on equal terms with everyone, there’s still a long way to go,” Mourinho said.