Real Madrid manager José Mourinho strongly criticized the match officials following his team's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday's Spanish League derby.
Returning to his famously outspoken style Mourinho brought printed photos to the post-match press conference. He argued the images proved that two Atletico players, Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in should have received "clear red cards" for harsh fouls.
The match's momentum shifted early in the second half when Real Madrid was reduced to 10 men after Dean Huijsen was sent off in the 52nd minute. Capitalizing on the advantage the Atletico quickly scored twice in the 53rd and 59th minutes. Madrid managed a late consolation goal but ultimately fell short.
Mourinho spent nearly five minutes questioning the integrity of the officiating. He criticized the appointment of 41-year-old referee Ortiz Arias also calling him a "poor referee" who failed to handle the pressure of a major derby. Furthermore Mourinho accused the VAR official of having a deliberate history of ruling against Real Madrid.
"Given the difficulties we faced playing 11 against 10, one can only imagine what it would have been like to play 50 minutes at 11 against nine" an evidently frustrated Mourinho told reporters.
In response to the outburst, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone urged his rival to maintain professional decorum.
"We all lose sometimes" Simeone remarked "but you cannot cross the line of respect and regardless of whether your name is Mourinho, Flick or Simeone."
