Mourinho fumes at referee, Simeone urges respect after fiery Madrid derby
Jose Mourinho criticized match officials following Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, highlighting controversial non-calls and the referee's lack of experience. The match saw significant physical play, resulting in injuries and a red card for Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the high-pressure environment of top-tier football and the ongoing debate regarding officiating standards in major European leagues.
Jose Mourinho needed only a sheet of paper to deliver his verdict on Sunday's (September 20, 2026) Madrid derby, waving images of two first-half tackles as he accused the officials of losing control in Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid.
Real were furious that Atletico defender Cristian Romero was not sent off for a stamp on Jude Bellingham and also complained about a challenge by Lee Kang-in on Federico Valverde, before the visitors were themselves reduced to 10 men five minutes after halftime.
Valverde finished the match but was later diagnosed with "severe trauma to his left ankle," the club said in a statement. The midfielder will undergo further tests, the club added.
"We could skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here," Mourinho said, holding up the images in what was the start of a near five-minute rant.
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