Following Complaint by Sevilla: Federation Initiates Proceedings Against Real Madrid TV

Carlo Ancelotti is a staunch advocate for the right to free speech, repeatedly defending the controversial video summaries broadcasted by Real Madrid TV. These segments often highlight refereeing errors and have faced accusations of incitement. Up until now, Real Madrid TV appeared untouchable given its technical status as an independent entity, not an official part of the club itself. However, the extent of this freedom of speech and the level of permissible criticism against referees are now under scrutiny.

The sequence of events was set in motion after Sevilla lodged an official complaint with the football federation prior to their game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee is initiating proceedings not merely against the television studio, but against Real Madrid the club. Although the probe specifically concerns the videos aired before Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Sevilla, which targeted referees Isidro Díaz de Mera and Pablo González Fuertes of the VAR system, the implications of an eventual ruling could be far-reaching.

While Ancelotti’s reliance on the principle of free speech complicates the case, Sevilla has argued that such recurrent practices “cause serious damage to Spanish football, undermining the integrity of the competition and the honor of the refereeing profession.” Sevilla claims these videos attempt to influence match officials by projecting an image of unprofessionalism and bias against Madrid, disseminated widely on television shortly before each match.

The actual reach of Real Madrid TV, which is free to air, may be questionable, and viewers are not forced to watch the content. However, the RFEF Committee is investigating whether “unfair pressure” has been applied. Even some Real Madrid fans, along with REAL TOTAL’s Editor-in-Chief Nils Kern, believe that RMTV has crossed several lines. According to Kern, “Criticism of referees should be allowed, but it should be balanced and not search for fault exclusively with referees, never with the club’s own players or coaches.”

Sevilla’s complaint could thus lead to a significant and potentially groundbreaking case, with an uncertain outcome.