Atletico Madrid responds to Mourinho and faces internal transfer scandal

Atletico Madrid has issued a public plea to stop the harassment of referees following controversial comments made by Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. After Real Madrid lost 2-1 in the Madrid derby, Mourinho held a press conference displaying printed screenshots of match incidents, claiming that Atletico players should have received two red cards.

Atletico responded via social media with the message “Stop harassing referees immediately,” accompanied by a video of a printer producing the same slogan. The club’s response follows reports from Real Madrid suggesting the match outcome was decided by “terrible officiating” by referee Ortiz Arias.

Separately, internal tensions have surfaced at Atletico Madrid involving General Director Carlos Busero. Reports suggest Busero engaged in unauthorized secret negotiations with Barcelona regarding the transfer of striker Julian Alvarez. Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed a formal €100 million offer was made for the Argentine player, though no response was received from Madrid. The alleged negotiations have reportedly caused friction between Busero and the club's board, amid a power struggle involving sporting director Mateu Alemany. Meanwhile, Alvarez has reportedly faced dissatisfaction from fans at the Metropolitano Stadium.