Spanish journalist apologises to Real Madrid over controversial Gara remarks: ‘I withdraw the comparison, but…’

Spanish journalist apologises to Real Madrid over controversial Gara remarks: ‘I withdraw the comparison, but…’ Spanish journalist Juanma Castano has apologised for comparing Real Madrid TV with the Basque newspaper Gara, after his comments prompted a strong response from Real Madrid. The Cadena COPE journalist made the comparison in a column published by ABC on Tuesday while criticising the way Real Madrid’s official television channel has covered refereeing controversies.  The article came two days after the Madrid derby, where the performance of referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias remained a major talking point. Real Madrid subsequently issued a statement describing Castano’s comparison as “an extremely serious act that crosses all boundaries.” Castano has now withdrawn that particular comparison while making clear that he stands by his wider criticism of Real Madrid TV. Castano withdraws comparison and apologises Explaining his decision, the journalist acknowledged that the comparison had gone too far and apologised specifically for linking Real Madrid TV with Gara. “The comparison, the metaphor, is excessive. The comparison is unnecessary, and I apologise for comparing Real Madrid TV to the newspaper Gara. “I should not have done so in this article in ABC. That said, my opinion of Real Madrid TV is the same as that expressed in the rest of the article, which I held yesterday and will continue to hold until Real Madrid TV changes its behaviour,” the presenter explained. The journalist then distinguished between the comparison he withdrew and his assessment of the club’s television channel. “I withdraw the comparison, but Real Madrid TV lies, manipulates, singles out and harasses. Let that be clear. I withdraw the comparison. “It is unfortunate and wrong of me, and at the same time I say that, for me, Real Madrid TV is an official club media outlet that lies, manipulates, singles out and harasses.  Juanma Castano has apologised to Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) “This is my opinion without any comparison, for which, I repeat, I apologise,” he adds. Real Madrid strongly object to ABC column The controversy originated from Castano’s ABC column, which criticised Real Madrid TV’s response to the refereeing controversy surrounding the derby. His article included the line: “On the official television channel, which is the Gara of ultra-Florentinism, they are calling for abandoning the national competitions.” The reference prompted Real Madrid to issue a public response. The club strongly objected to the comparison and argued that it crossed a line in its characterisation of the institution and its official media outlet. The comparison itself referred to Gara, a Basque newspaper whose history includes links to the former ETA terrorist organisation. Castano has now explicitly withdrawn that comparison and apologised for making it. Source: Mundo Deportivo