Mourinho talks about Huijsen's sending off and erupts at the referees

Real Madrid C.F.

Mourinho appeared before the media, even showing photos of the two incidents he considers decisive in the derby. The coach was emphatic: "These are two clear red cards". According to his interpretation, the actions involving Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee should have ended in a sending off. Mourinho went even further, pointing out how the match would have played out differently: "We can imagine what it would be like with 50 minutes and eleven against nine". For the Madrid coach, these two decisions completely shaped the game.

Hard attack on Ortiz Arias

Mourinho directly questioned the appointment and the experience of the referee. The Portuguese highlighted that Ortiz Arias is 41 years old and has not reached international level. "You put a referee who, at 41, has no international experience... well, it won't be because he's a great referee". He also said the official was not prepared to handle the pressure of a match of this magnitude. "The poor guy has come here and couldn't handle the pressure". A particularly harsh criticism with which Mourinho cast doubt on both the choice of referee and his preparation to officiate a high-stakes derby.

Also takes aim at VAR

The Madrid coach also did not leave VAR out of it and pointed directly at Trujillo Suárez. Mourinho recalled that VAR called the referee in one of the incidents, but not in the second, which he said was even clearer. "This Mr Trujillo has a very complete history as VAR in Real Madrid matches". He even hinted at doubts about what happened from the VOR booth: "There, in Las Rozas, there is no pressure. Either there is pressure and we don't know it". The coach ended by launching a direct criticism at the refereeing appointment system.

“I don't want to think this was prepared”

Mourinho kept raising the volume of his comments as the press conference went on. The Portuguese said he wants to think that mistakes were simply made, although he left a line that will spark plenty of controversy: "I don't want to go far and say this is something that was prepared. I don't want to think about this". Later he insisted: "I want to think the Referees' Committee got it wrong". He also referred to decisions from previous matchdays which, in his view, have benefited other teams or harmed Real Madrid.

Huijsen's sending off, pending review

28

Huijsen
6.930.000€+80.000€-2

J7

3

J6

-

J5

9

J4

6

J3

DF

00

In sporting and fantasy terms, the most important incident for the coming matchdays affects Dean Huijsen. Mourinho admitted that he still had not been able to properly review his sending off. "Huijsen's sending off, I confess I still haven't seen it". The coach explained that the assessment will depend on whether the incident begins outside or inside the area. Therefore, we will have to wait to find out the disciplinary consequences and whether the club makes any decision regarding the red card.

Mourinho fully backs his players

Despite the defeat, Mourinho did not make any complaints about his squad. On the contrary, he highlighted the team's personality in the first half and the effort made afterwards while playing with fewer men. "I really liked my team as a team; I have nothing to reproach". The Portuguese said his players finished sad, but also with their coach's absolute backing. For Mourinho, the defeat does not change the confidence in the group or in the players who have been regulars.

🤯 MOURINHO ENSEÑA en RUEDA de PRENSA las 2 ENTRADAS sobre BELLINGHAM y VALVERDE.

🔥 4 minutos y 15 segundos del portugués rajando sobre el arbitraje.

Nos vemos a las 12 de la noche en CUATRO. pic.twitter.com/oLMmcUtAef

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) September 20, 2026