Atletico Madrid CEO Criticizes Real Madrid and Barcelona Over Referee Complaints
In a recent interview with the club’s official media, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin targeted Real Madrid and Barcelona, accusing them of unjustly criticizing referees while reaping the benefits of officiating decisions.
While discussing the competitive landscape of Spanish football, Gil Marin asserted that Atletico has established itself as the clear third force in La Liga, continuing the pursuit of the nation’s traditional giants.
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“They force us to be better”
Gil Marin recognized the financial and sporting gap separating Atletico from Real Madrid and Barcelona but emphasized that these challenges have driven his club to improve.
“The truth is, that forces us to be better, it forces us to compete differently, it forces us to constantly strive harder,” he remarked.
Atletico Madrid have fired shots at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He noted that the Rojiblancos have gradually set themselves apart from other teams in La Liga and now find themselves in closer proximity to the traditional powerhouses than to the rest of the clubs.
“The truth is, a while ago there was Real Madrid and Barcelona, and then there was a group of 7, 8, or 9 clubs,” Gil Marin recalled.
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“Today, we’ve distanced ourselves from practically everyone, and we’re, I don’t know if in no man’s land, but we’re closer to the two giants than to the others.”
Strong criticism over referee treatment
The Atletico executive was particularly vocal regarding the treatment of referees.
Gil Marin labeled it “shameful” that Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to publicly voice complaints about officiating despite their significant influence.
“It is quite embarrassing that two clubs that constantly complain about refereeing decisions, due to pressure exerted directly by the media or through the tools they have at their disposal, are the main beneficiaries,” he stated.
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He further clarified that Atletico will not remain silent on this matter.
“We have made it clear that we will not remain silent, that we will continue to protest, whether ironically or seriously, but we will not remain silent, because we find it completely deplorable that these two big clubs are doing what they are doing.”
These remarks come in the context of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s ongoing war over the Negreira case.
The comments add another layer to the escalating tension between Atletico and Spain’s top two clubs, with Gil Marin once more accusing both Real Madrid and Barcelona of leveraging their influence to shape public discourse regarding refereeing decisions.