{
  "id": 13893559,
  "title": "RFEF ‘do not understand’ Real Madrid’s complaints and stand by referees – report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rfef-do-not-understand-real-madrids-complaints-and-stand-by-referees",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T06:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rfef-not-understand-real-madrid-062000521.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The conflict between Real Madrid and the refereeing system has persisted for an extended period, and it appears that bridging the divide may prove challenging. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has not been able to comprehend Real Madrid's criticisms regarding the refereeing performance and standards. While the federation acknowledges the ongoing dispute, they maintain that the referees' actions are faultless and provide their full support. This development marks a significant setback for Real Madrid, who stand alone in their battle against the officiating system.\n\nThe most recent example of this tension erupted during the Madrid derby, where fans and players were particularly vocal about the referees' decisions. The match generated considerable debate after the decision not to send off Atletico Madrid players but to eject a Real Madrid star. Moreover, the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Vinicius Jr.'s dismissal further fueled conspiracy theories, despite the offense potentially warranting a red card.\n\nDespite the RFEF's lack of support, Real Madrid continue to fight against the refereeing system using their media outlet, Real Madrid TV. In a recent broadcast, the club's media outlet delivered a scathing criticism of the referees, pointing out their mistakes and pressuring the officiating system. During a recent match against Villarreal, Real Madrid received five yellow cards and a red card for Vinicius Jr., while even the bench and coaching staff were criticized. Real Madrid's focus now is on revealing the referees' double standards and exposing how Los Blancos face harsher punishments compared to other clubs. The feud between Real Madrid and the refereeing system does not seem to be winding down anytime soon.",
  "summary": "The feud between Real Madrid and the referees has been ongoing for a long time now, and it is clear that the rift between the two cannot be bridged easily.Los Blancos have made it clear time and time ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}