Real Madrid has issued a mocking response to Atletico Madrid's ongoing 'Stop referee harassment' campaign. The club released a video on its official television channel, revisiting past incidents involving key Atletico figures. A voiceover in the clip states that "memory is short; they ask for respect for referees, but only sometimes".
Manager Diego Simeone is a central figure featured in the production. The video also shows former Atletico coach Gregorio Manzano, who now designs referees, and references the incident where Arda Turan threw a boot at an assistant referee. The clip's message casts doubt on the consistency of their rival's plea for respect.
This retort comes just days after the latest Madrid derby, which Atletico won 2-1 at the Metropolitano on September 20. That victory, with goals from Grimaldo from the penalty spot and Jonathan David, placed Simeone's side second in LaLiga with 16 points. The win is part of a three-game winning streak that also includes a resounding 4-0 victory over Osasuna.
Riding high after the local derby success, Atletico now heads into the international break. The team returns to action on October 10 with a trip to face Alaves, who sit sixth in the table. The red-and-whites, with Alex Baena as their top scorer on four goals, remain in the title race, five points behind leaders Barcelona.
The controversy over treatment of officials is not new in Spanish football, but the tone of Real Madrid's response marks a fresh chapter in the eternal Madrid rivalry. Atletico, for its part, has not issued an official statement regarding the video's content. The next meeting between the two sides, scheduled for the second half of the league season, promises to carry this added subplot.
Read the full report at Marca - Primera
