Mourinho condemns referee and VAR after Real Madrid loses 2-1 to Atlético

José Mourinho launched a lengthy criticism of the officiating following Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid in La Liga on September 20, 2026. Mourinho brought printed photographs to his post-match press conference showing incidents involving Atlético players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in, contending both deserved red cards in the first half when the score was still 0-0. He argued that had those cards been issued, Madrid would have faced a 50-minute stretch playing 11 versus 9 instead of the 11 versus 10 situation that ultimately transpired after Dean Huijsen's expulsion in the 52nd minute.

Mourinho's critique targeted referee Ortiz Arias and VAR official Trujillo Suárez by name. He noted that Ortiz Arias, age 41, lacked international experience and questioned why the referee was designated a week in advance rather than the standard 24 hours before a match. Regarding Trujillo Suárez, Mourinho referenced what he called a pattern: previous VAR decisions in Madrid matches involving Real Sociedad (Copa del Rey), Osasuna, and Girona. He suggested the VAR official intervened for one potential red card but not the other, more egregious incident.

Beyond the specific match decisions, Mourinho implied broader concerns about competitive equity in La Liga. He cited a series of controversial decisions affecting multiple teams—an Osasuna goal disallowed, penalties awarded to San Sebastián and Barcelona, and a non-expulsion in an Athletic Bilbao match—characterizing them as "accumulated things." When asked if the league was tainted by the Negreira case (involving alleged payments to referees by Barcelona), Mourinho responded with ambiguity: "If [Negreira] is no longer here, then it is not tainted by Negreira." He stated he preferred to believe the committee had erred rather than suspecting deliberate manipulation, though his remarks suggested doubt about competitive fairness.

Atlético won 2-1 with goals from Alejandro Grimaldo (penalty, 53rd minute) and Jonathan David (59th minute). Antonio Rudiger scored Madrid's lone goal in the 89th minute. The defeat left Madrid six points behind league leader Barcelona. Real Madrid's official media and the club banned players from speaking to press in the mixed zone, signaling organizational displeasure. Atlético coach Diego Simeone, asked about Mourinho's comments, called for respect among managers and declined to engage directly with the criticism.