Matias Almeida, Getty Images December 21, 2025, 5:23 p.m

The head coach of Sevilla, Matias Almeida, spoke after the defeat by Real Madrid (0:2) in the Spanish championship. His words are quoted by Marca.

“Someday we will have to ask the judges. I protested the foul and when I was shown a yellow card I asked what it was for and was told I was sent off. It’s sad how arrogant they are.

Referees have microphones. In every match, we protest. But when the protest is respectful, it is, in my opinion, justified. This man said he was sick of me talking about respect. I would like you to listen to the audio recordings because otherwise it is easy to eliminate people. You always need witnesses in life, I understood that. I’m not going to make excuses, it’s on my conscience. I sleep peacefully.

I am not a circus clown, I have experience in football. What happened to Real Madrid is just ridiculous, I’m ashamed to even talk about it. Nothing will change, because I am the coach of Sevilla. Our team has the most yellow cards. Men should discuss problems. Silence is treason, and I am not a traitor.

When a referee’s lack of humility blocks out a friendly dialogue, we turn sport into authoritarianism. It hurts me a lot. I didn’t want to talk about it, but I have to.

You are journalists, please ask for audio recordings. At some point the judge will have to be removed. I have never seen two penalties awarded in two minutes, the refereeing was terrible. I congratulate Real Madrid for the win, I’m not saying they won because of it, the titles speak for themselves,” said Almeida.