Real Madrid hit back at journalist and warn of possible legal action: ‘Deplorable and unacceptable’

Real Madrid hit back at journalist and warn of possible legal action: ‘Deplorable and unacceptable’ Real Madrid have issued a strong response to journalist Juanma Castano after he compared Real Madrid TV with Gara in an opinion column for ABC , prompting the club to warn that it could take further action. The controversy comes two days after the Madrid derby, with the refereeing performance of Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias continuing to generate debate. Real Madrid have maintained that several decisions went against them, including two first-half incidents involving Atletico Madrid players that they believe should have resulted in dismissals. The club has also continued to highlight the refereeing decisions through Real Madrid TV, something it has regularly done in recent seasons. Real Madrid object to Castano’s comparison While much of the media discussion has focused on Real Madrid’s reaction to the refereeing, Juanma Castano criticised the club in a column published by ABC . Although acknowledging mistakes by Ortiz Arias, Castano questioned Real Madrid TV’s coverage of the referee and compared the club’s official channel to Gara , a newspaper whose history is linked to the former ETA terrorist organisation. The column included the line: “On the official television channel, which is the Gara of ultra-Florentinism, they are calling for abandoning the national competitions.” Real Madrid have strongly objected to that comparison. Club warns of possible measures In an official statement, Real Madrid claimed that the club consider the comparison to be beyond what they regard as acceptable criticism and have described it as an attack on their reputation. “Real Madrid CF considers the comparison made by Cope journalist Juanma Castano between RealMadrid TV and the newspaper Gara , in an article published today in the ABC newspaper, to be absolutely deplorable and unacceptable.” “Our club believes that comparing Real Madrid’s official media outlet to a newspaper whose history is linked to the world of the terrorist group ETA constitutes an extremely serious exercise that crosses all limits.” The Merengues defended Real Madrid TV’s right to report on refereeing decisions and to represent the interests of the club. “RealMadrid TV legitimately exercises its right to inform and defend the interests of our club, its members and its fans, and is the official media outlet of a club with 124 years of history, representing the sensibilities and values ​​of millions of fans around the world.” Real Madrid concluded by making clear that they are considering their options following Castano’s comments. “Real Madrid reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems appropriate in response to an attack that is completely unacceptable.” The dispute adds another layer to the fallout from the Madrid derby, with the refereeing decisions, Real Madrid’s public complaints and the subsequent reaction continuing to generate controversy several days after the match.