‘I don’t know what surprises you’ — Simeone accuses Real Madrid of 100 years of referee benefits

Diego Simeone has every confidence his Atletico Madrid players will beat Porto to give themselves a chance of reaching the Champions League knockout stages

‘I don’t know what surprises you’ — Simeone accuses Real Madrid of 100 years of referee benefits

Ayoola Kelechi 19:55 - 17.01.2025

Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone was unimpressed by the decisions in Real Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Celta Vigo

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s outspoken manager, has added fuel to the fiery rivalry with Real Madrid by accusing Los Blancos of receiving preferential treatment for over a century.

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The comments came in response to a controversial decision during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo, reigniting debates about refereeing favouritism in Spanish football.

Real Madrid controversy in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid’s 5-2 triumph over Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the opening goal. Kylian Mbappe’s strike came moments after Celta were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty.

Mbappe picked up an injury after scoring for Real Madrid in their 3-2 win against Atalanta in Bergamo in midweek | Credit: X

Despite the protests from Celta’s players and coaching staff, the referee did not consult the VAR screen, leaving many to question the impartiality of the officiating.

These calls were even louder in extra time when the ball appeared to strike Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger’s arm in the box, but the referee decided against awarding a penalty for Celta Vigo.

Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid

When asked about the incident, Simeone didn’t mince words, saying, “I didn’t watch yesterday’s game. They told me episodes that happened, as have been going on for a hundred years. I don’t know what surprises you…”

Simeone looking for third LaLiga title

Despite his frustration with the state of officiating, Simeone’s Atletico Madrid remains in a commanding position in LaLiga.

Atletico's two-goal hero, Antoine Griezmann and manager Diego Simeone. (Photo Credit: Atletico/X)

Atleti currently sit at the top of the table with 44 points from 19 games, holding a slender one-point lead over Real Madrid, with Barcelona trailing further behind with 38 points.

If Atletico can maintain their momentum, this season could mark Simeone’s third LaLiga triumph, following successes in 2014 and 2021.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone, pictured on September 19, 2024, has commented on the new Champions League structure (Credit: Imago)

With the season heating up, all eyes will be on the title race—and the refereeing decisions that shape its outcome by June.