Atlético Madrid used their official social channels on Monday to call for an end to what they described as referee harassment, responding directly to Real MadridâÂÂs complaints following SundayâÂÂs 2-1 derby defeat. The response, reported by Mundo Deportivo, escalates a public dispute that began almost immediately after the final whistle.
AtléticoâÂÂs printer-themed reply
Roughly 24 hours after the match, Atlético posted a video showing a sheet of paper emerging from a printer, featuring an image of José Mourinho holding up his own printed evidence from SundayâÂÂs press conference. The message accompanying it, in Spanish and English, called for an end to alleged referee harassment.
A second post followed shortly after, referencing an upcoming stretch without league football and using imagery suggesting the clubâÂÂs machinery was switching on for the weeks ahead. Neither post offered further explanation, leaving the printer visual to do the talking.
The complaints that preceded the reply
Despite Diego SimeoneâÂÂs side being the superior team on the day, Real MadridâÂÂs official channels argued the result had been shaped by refereeing and VAR decisions. Real Madrid TV went further, using inflammatory language to describe the situation as unacceptable.
MourinhoâÂÂs post-derby press conference, held at the Metropolitano auditorium, focused almost entirely on the officiating. He appeared with photographs of two challenges involving Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee that he believed should have resulted in dismissals, arguing the referee committee, not just Atlético, should be pleased with the appointment given how the game had unfolded. Background on the VAR conversations from the match has added further scrutiny to the flashpoints Mourinho raised.
Simeone calls for respect
Before AtléticoâÂÂs social-media response landed, Simeone addressed the controversy directly in his own press conference, urging respect for differing opinions. He noted that high-profile coaches, naming himself, Hansi Flick, Mourinho and Jürgen Klopp among them, all carry a responsibility to be careful with their public comments, warning that crossing that line ultimately damages everyone involved.
SimeoneâÂÂs broader message was one of perspective, seeking to keep the focus on AtléticoâÂÂs performance rather than accept the officiating dispute as the only story from the derby. Goal report that the clubâÂÂs follow-up posts were widely shared internationally within hours.
Timeline of the exchange
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Atlético win the derby 2-1 |
| Sunday, post-match | Real MadridâÂÂs website and Real Madrid TV criticise the officiating |
| Sunday, press conference | Mourinho displays photographs of the Romero and Kang-in Lee challenges |
| Sunday, press conference | Simeone urges respect and caution from all coaches |
| Monday | Atlético post the printer video and follow-up message on social media |
