The most notable incident occurred last weekend when Jude Bellingham was sent off for swearing at referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
This led to an outcry from Madrid’s hierarchy and supporters, who saw it as part of a pattern of unfair treatment. Some even speculated about the club potentially leaving La Liga, highlighting their frustration.
However, Yamal has taken a different approach, urging players and clubs to recognize the challenges referees face instead of accusing them of deliberate wrongdoing. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona winger emphasized that he sees no evidence of a systemic bias against any of Spain’s top clubs.
Yamal explained, “The thing is that I think that lately almost everything is questioned. Some things are clear and there is no doubt about them. In the end, the job of a referee is very difficult. If you call for one side, the other will complain. If no one complains, the team not playing will. It’s a tough job.”
His comments come amid a growing debate over La Liga’s officiating standards. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has regularly criticized the league’s referees, comparing them unfavorably to Champions League officials, who he claims are more consistent and less controversial in their decisions.
Madrid’s complaints have been further fueled by the ongoing Negreira case, in which Barcelona is accused of making payments to a company linked to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of Spain’s refereeing committee. Although the case remains unresolved, it has added to the atmosphere of suspicion surrounding officiating decisions.
Despite this, Yamal has taken a more balanced stance, acknowledging that referees make mistakes but rejecting the idea of a deliberate conspiracy against any club.
“In the Copa del Rey, the referees first favored Madrid and then went against them in the Osasuna match,” Yamal added. “Every matchday, it’s going to be like that. I think we can’t complain, Madrid, Barca, and Atletico. The referees are doing their best.”
His perspective contrasts sharply with Real Madrid’s rhetoric, which has frequently suggested that they are being unfairly targeted. Even Barcelona has voiced some complaints about officiating, though their tone has been less intense than Madrid’s in recent times.
Yamal’s comments shed light on the complexities of refereeing in modern football, where every decision is under intense scrutiny by players, managers, and fans. With the rise of VAR, expectations for accuracy have grown, but it has also led to more controversies, placing added pressure on referees.
The Barcelona prodigy also pointed out that while matches involving big clubs often get the most attention, controversial decisions also occur in games involving smaller teams. “There isn’t as much talk about matches against teams like Alaves and Leganes, but there might be more controversial moments. The referees try to do their best. It’s a tough job because someone will always complain. We are very happy.”
His comments suggest a perspective that is often missing in football’s emotionally charged environment. Instead of joining the chorus of complaints, Yamal advocates for understanding and patience. Given his age and platform at Barcelona, his words could help shift the conversation around refereeing in Spain.
While the debate over officiating will persist, Yamal’s viewpoint serves as a refreshing reminder that not all players believe in conspiracy theories. His focus on the difficulty of refereeing could promote more balanced discussions in Spanish football, moving away from blame and suspicion.
As Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid continue their campaigns, their interactions with referees will remain a central topic. Yet, Yamal’s words suggest that players can choose to focus on the game rather than fueling narratives that may not reflect reality. In a season full of high tension, his mature perspective offers hope for a more reasoned approach to refereeing controversies. Whether others will follow his lead is yet to be seen, but for now, Yamal stands as a voice of reason in a polarized debate.
