Real Madrid’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu did not go as planned.
Following the 0–2 defeat to Celta Vigo, the match once again triggered an explosive reaction from Real Madrid TV, who dedicated large portions of their post-match coverage to criticising referee Quintero Gonzalez.
The club’s official channel, known for its uncompromising stance on officiating, did not hold back, reviving accusations reminiscent of previous controversies in Spanish football.
During their broadcast, the presenters argued that the referee’s handling of the game was far below the expected standard.
They stated, “Although it did not affect the score, Quintero Gonzalez’s performance was regrettable.
“He has acted, as was done under the Negreira regime, to get the rewards he deserves, whether it be playing internationally or being in the most important games at the national level.”
Calling out the inconsistency
Their criticism intensified as the match progressed. The commentators repeatedly pointed to what they considered inconsistent officiating.
The presenters argued that Gonzalez lacked clarity and fairness in his decisions.
“He doesn’t even know what he’s calling. He’s one of the new ones, but… he’s bad, we’ll leave it at that for now […]
“The referee is terrible, it’s nonsense. He’s one of the new ones, but he’s well trained.”
In reference to time-wasting, “He hasn’t applied the same standards. He’s been very permissive with Celta’s time wasting. The eight-second rule is a disgrace, it’s a joke for the fans, the players and everyone.”
Brutal attacks
The tone remained the same throughout the evening, with Real Madrid TV repeatedly invoking references to the Negreira affair.
Real Madrid received two red cards against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
They accused the referee of exhibiting behaviour they associate with past institutional wrongdoing.
“Celta does its thing (wasting time), but the referee from the Negreira league, who is very bad, should prevent it. The refereeing is made in Negreira. I expect anything from the Negreira league,” they said.
Later in the post-match recap, they insisted the officiating was not the reason for the defeat, but still claimed it contributed to an unfair dynamic.
They argued that the constant interruptions and cautions influenced the rhythm of the game.
“This is not a day when we can talk about penalties or offsides. It has been a day of incessant yellow cards and time-wasting; all of that wears you down.
“It is not the reason for the defeat, but the refereeing does not surprise us, because it is yet another lamentable performance in a bad game for the team.”
Pointing out the moments
Real Madrid TV also scrutinised key decisions, including Fran García’s dismissal for two yellow cards. They suggested the broadcast angles did not make the referee’s judgment clear.
“The broadcast didn’t show us the two tackles by Fran García in detail from the best angle, so we can’t tell if they were really fouls.”
Regarding the red card shown to Alvaro Carreras, they added,
“I’m struck by how quickly he went for Carreras when he told him. It’s very easy to go against u”
To end their segment, Real Madrid TV directed criticism toward the head of Spain’s referees, Fran Soto. They argued that the league’s officiating standards fall short of what La Liga claims to represent.
“This is not refereeing worthy of a league that claims to be one of the best in the world.
“I want to see what Fran Soto has to say and what they say on Tiempo de Revisión, if they show the plays.”
Source: AS