Mourinho's printer stunt fuels Atlético‑Real Madrid referee feud
On Monday Atlético Madrid took to its official channels to denounce what it called referee harassment, a direct reply to Real Madrid’s complaints after Sunday’s 2‑1 derby defeat. The club posted a printer‑themed video featuring José Mourinho holding printed evidence from his post‑match press conference, intensifying the Atlético‑Real Madrid referee row.
Atlético’s printer‑themed reply
Roughly 24 hours after the match, Atlético posted a video showing a sheet of paper emerging from a printer, featuring an image of José Mourinho holding up his own printed evidence from Sunday’s press conference. The accompanying message, in Spanish and English, called for an end to alleged referee harassment. A second post followed shortly, referencing an upcoming stretch without league football and using imagery suggesting the club’s machinery was switching on for the weeks ahead. Neither post offered further explanation, leaving the printer visual to do the talking.
Real Madrid’s official channels argued the result had been shaped by refereeing and VAR decisions. Real Madrid TV went further, describing the situation as unacceptable with inflammatory language. Mourinho’s post‑derby press conference at the Metropolitano auditorium focused almost entirely on the officiating, where he displayed photographs of challenges involving Cuti Romero and Kang‑in Lee that he believed should have resulted in dismissals. He argued the referee committee, not just Atlético, should be pleased with the appointment given how the game unfolded.
The VAR conversations from the match have added further scrutiny to the flashpoints Mourinho raised, with analysts questioning the decisions on the two incidents.
Mourinho and Simeone spar over officiating
Before Atlético’s social‑media response landed, Simeone addressed the controversy in his own press conference, urging respect for differing opinions. He noted that high‑profile coaches, naming himself, Hansi Flick, Mourinho and Jürgen Klopp, all carry a responsibility to be careful with public comments, warning that crossing that line ultimately damages everyone involved. Simeone’s broader message was one of perspective, seeking to keep the focus on Atlético’s performance rather than let the officiating dispute dominate the narrative.
The exchange was reported by, which said the response escalates a public dispute that began almost immediately after the final whistle. The club’s follow‑up posts were widely shared internationally within hours, amplifying the referee row across social platforms.
The printer stunt has deepened the Atlético‑Real Madrid referee row, with both clubs entrenched in a war of words. No further clarification has been offered, leaving the dispute to play out in the media rather than on the pitch.