Atlético Madrid wants end to “refereeing harassment” after Mourinho complaints

By: The Associated Press Posted: 4:20 PM CDT Monday, Sep. 21, 2026

MADRID (AP) — A day after Real Madrid coach José Mourinho complained about a poor performance by Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias, Atlético Madrid called on Monday for an end to “refereeing harassment”.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

After Atlético’s 2-1 victory on Sunday, Mourinho lashed out at referee Ortiz Arias, arguing that Cristian “Cuti” Romero and Lee Kang-in deserved red cards for fouls committed against Real players.

Mourinho took printed images to his press conference showing the fouls that, he said, warranted severe punishment.

Real Madrid's head coach Jose Mourinho, right, gestures during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in Madrid, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Atlético has now responded on social media with a message reading “Stop refereeing harassment now”, accompanied by a video showing an image of Mourinho emerging from a printer.

“It’s all been very strange,” Mourinho said on Sunday. “First of all, the referee was known a week before the match, but I’m told that’s usually announced just 24 hours in advance. Then he is a 41-year-old referee who isn’t on the international list, so it can’t be because he’s a great referee. The poor guy came here and couldn’t handle the pressure.”

The defeat left Real fourth in La Liga after seven rounds. City rival Atlético sits in second place, trailing only leader Barcelona.

Mourinho is at the start of his second stint with the club, which he previously managed between 2010 and 2013 leading them to a La Liga title and Copa del Rey crown.