The Real Madrid Announcement After the Meeting with Medina Cantalejo, the Head of Referees

In a highly anticipated meeting that took place this Monday at the Federation’s headquarters, José Ángel Sánchez, Florentino Pérez’s trusted right-hand man, met with Medina Cantalejo, the president of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA). The outcome of the meeting and the subsequent statement released by Real Madrid highlight the club’s ongoing concerns regarding refereeing decisions that have sparked controversy in recent weeks.

Real Madrid’s frustrations have been mounting since their Matchday 22 fixture against Espanyol Barcelona, where the club felt aggrieved by a series of contentious refereeing calls. One of the most significant incidents was a reckless tackle on Kylian Mbappé, which went unpunished despite a clear case for a red card. The club wasted no time in expressing their dissatisfaction, urging the Federation to review the situation, particularly the decision-making process during the match. Real Madrid demanded to hear the conversation between the referee and the VAR officials regarding the incident, believing it was a clear-cut case that warranted a red card.

This Monday’s meeting with Medina Cantalejo was an extension of Real Madrid’s ongoing campaign for transparency and fairness in refereeing decisions. José Ángel Sánchez was invited to listen to the requested recordings of the VAR conversation and discuss the matter with the head of referees. The meeting, which lasted around an hour and a half, was described as cordial, with both parties engaging in a respectful exchange of views. Cantalejo was quick to highlight that the conversation took place in an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect. “Had we argued, the meeting would have lasted five minutes,” Cantalejo remarked, stressing that the discussion was productive and amicable.

Despite the positive tone of the meeting, Real Madrid’s stance remains unchanged. According to sources within the club, their position is clear: they believe that the refereeing system is rigged against them. José Félix Díaz, a MARCA journalist closely following the club, reported that Real Madrid feels the system is biased, and they have made this sentiment known to the Federation. The club is particularly concerned about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the absence of accountability when it comes to refereeing errors.

While Medina Cantalejo was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, Real Madrid remained unconvinced. The club’s representatives continued to voice their frustration over the specific incident during the Espanyol match, where the challenge on Mbappé was not punished appropriately. Real Madrid sources believe that the referee’s failure to issue a red card in that situation is emblematic of a broader issue with refereeing bias against the club. “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,” sources inside the club have emphasized.

Real Madrid’s stance on the refereeing system goes beyond just this one incident. While the club acknowledges the meeting with Cantalejo took place in an ideal environment and that the VAR audios were reviewed, they continue to believe that the refereeing decisions in the Espanyol game were flawed. Real Madrid is pushing for a fundamental overhaul of the system, particularly in terms of transparency. The club has long argued that a lack of openness regarding refereeing decisions, the grading system, and promotions or relegations of referees contributes to the perception of bias and inconsistency.

In their statement following the meeting, Real Madrid reiterated their belief that transparency is key to restoring faith in the refereeing system. The club argued that the system would be more acceptable to everyone if there were greater openness regarding the rationale behind decisions, as well as clarity around the criteria used to promote or demote referees. While Cantalejo has claimed that the CTA is open to implementing changes, Real Madrid remains skeptical of any real reforms in the near future.

The club’s frustration is compounded by the ongoing controversy surrounding a red card handed to Jude Bellingham during the match against Osasuna the previous Saturday. Real Madrid is appealing the decision, and all eyes are now on the Spanish Federation as they consider the club’s request. The outcome of this appeal will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Real Madrid’s relationship with Spanish refereeing authorities.

Real Madrid’s push for change is not just about one controversial match or a single red card decision—it reflects a broader concern about fairness and integrity in Spanish football. The club is determined to continue its efforts to reform the refereeing system, even if that means clashing with the Federation and other clubs. The Madrid-based giants are willing to take a stand and make their voices heard in order to ensure that the integrity of the sport is upheld.

As the situation continues to unfold, the tension between Real Madrid and the Spanish refereeing authorities remains palpable. The club’s resolve to seek transparency and fairness is unwavering, and they will likely continue to challenge any decisions they deem unjust. This meeting with Medina Cantalejo may have been cordial, but it has done little to quell Real Madrid’s frustrations.

In the coming weeks, the Spanish Federation will have to address Real Madrid’s concerns more comprehensively. With the club’s appeal against Bellingham’s red card still pending, the Federation’s response will be crucial in determining whether any meaningful changes will be made to the refereeing system. For now, Real Madrid remains committed to their cause, and it is clear that they will not back down in their pursuit of reform.

In conclusion, while the meeting with Medina Cantalejo was marked by cordiality and respect, Real Madrid’s position remains firm. The club continues to feel aggrieved by what they perceive as a biased refereeing system and is pushing for transparency and accountability. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether these concerns are addressed, or if Real Madrid will continue their battle for fairer treatment in Spanish football. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Real Madrid’s fight for change is far from over.