Free-falling because of Real, referee José Luis Munuera fires back: “I stayed…”

Suspended amid an ongoing investigation for an alleged conflict of interest, José Luis Munuera Montero has finally broken his silence after his controversial officiating during Real Madrid’s clash against Osasuna. The Spanish referee, now at the center of intense scrutiny, has been forced to defend himself against growing criticism and allegations that could threaten his career.

Munuera Montero’s performance during the match left many in disbelief, particularly Real Madrid fans and officials. While his decision to send off Jude Bellingham was widely accepted, the real uproar stemmed from two controversial penalty calls that were not awarded to Los Blancos. This perceived injustice has reignited tensions between Real Madrid and the Spanish refereeing body, as the club continues to voice its frustration over what it sees as a pattern of questionable decisions against them.

The fallout was swift. As Madrid’s management publicly criticized the officiating standards, reports emerged linking Munuera Montero to activities outside his refereeing duties. These revelations, suggesting a possible conflict of interest, have led to his suspension and an investigation by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Now sidelined from both domestic and UEFA competitions, the once-respected referee finds himself fighting to salvage his reputation.

In the wake of the controversy, Munuera Montero has faced an onslaught of abuse and threats on social media. The backlash has reached such extremes that the referee now fears for his safety. Speaking to radio station Cope, the embattled official did not hide his distress. “I’ve been locked up at home all day, unable to process what is happening. It’s very hard,” he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration and anguish.

Beyond his personal turmoil, Munuera Montero expressed concerns for his family, who have also been targeted. “They are going after my nine siblings… My 80-year-old father has had enough. Today, he went to church, hoping for peace. What kind of football are we creating? This is getting out of hand,” he lamented. Despite the overwhelming criticism, he has found support from the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), which continues to back him.

Pressed about the mistakes made in the Real Madrid match, Munuera Montero was defiant, emphasizing that no referee is perfect. “With VAR, mistakes still happen. We don’t want to make errors, but until an infallible robot is invented, we will keep making them,” he stated, acknowledging the imperfections of the system while defending the human aspect of officiating.

Determined to clear his name, the referee also addressed allegations regarding his private business dealings. Reports claimed that his company has links with clubs such as Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, fueling suspicions of bias. However, Munuera Montero insisted that his company does not receive payments from these institutions. In an effort to combat what he describes as a smear campaign, he has vowed to take legal action against media outlets and individuals spreading what he calls falsehoods.

Yet, some details continue to raise eyebrows. Munuera Montero’s company, headquartered in a luxurious mansion, reportedly features a massive mural of Lionel Messi, the FC Barcelona icon. As scrutiny over his neutrality intensified, he swiftly hired a private firm to cover the Messi artwork, a move that has only fueled speculation about his loyalties.

The controversy deepened when images surfaced online of Munuera Montero appearing to celebrate a Celta Vigo goal against Real Madrid in 2019 while officiating as a VAR referee. Madridistas, already enraged by recent events, are now demanding further investigations into his conduct and any potential biases that may have influenced his decisions over the years.

The unfolding scandal has added another layer of tension to Spanish football, already plagued by debates over refereeing standards and officiating inconsistencies. While Munuera Montero continues to plead his case, the RFEF’s investigation will determine his future. If found guilty of any wrongdoing, his career as an elite referee could come to an abrupt and ignominious end.

As the football world waits for the verdict, the controversy surrounding Munuera Montero serves as yet another chapter in the ongoing battle between Real Madrid and Spanish referees. Whether he emerges from this scandal vindicated or disgraced remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure on referees in La Liga has never been more intense.