Simeone responds to Mourinho’s refereeing criticism after controversial Madrid derby: ‘We have to be careful’

Real Madrid failed to break their Metropolitano curse, losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in La Liga under controversial circumstances.

It was a game where the refereeing decisions became the forefront of the conversation and the actual football took a back seat.

Jose Mourinho made sure to let everyone know what he thought of the decision to send off Dean Huijsen but not give red cards to Atletico players in his post-match press conference.

Now, Diego Simeone has responded strongly to Mourinho’s criticism of the refereeing following Real Madrid’s derby defeat.

Simeone responds to Mourinho

As quoted by AS, Simeone was asked about Mourinho’s explosive post-match press conference, during which the Real Madrid coach displayed images of two challenges he believed should have resulted in Atletico red cards.

“We respect everything others say, but we have to understand that Flick, Mourinho, Pellegrini, Simeone, we are in a privileged position, with enormous exposure as coaches, and we have to be careful with what we say,” Simeone said.

“We have to know how to respect the referee and our fellow professionals. When someone crosses that line of respect, whether your name is Mourinho, Simeone, Flick or Pellegrini, it isn’t right. You shouldn’t cross that line.”

Federico Valverde was on the receiving end of a horrible tackle from Kang-in Lee. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Mourinho had been furious about challenges involving Romero on Jude Bellingham and Kang-in Lee on Federico Valverde, arguing that both should have resulted in red cards.

When specifically asked about Mourinho appearing with images of the controversial incidents, Simeone initially offered a short response: “Nothing to say.”

Simeone talks about the general feeling with refereeing decisions

Simeone later explained his position when discussing whether refereeing decisions had influenced the derby.

“Sometimes they benefit you, other times they go against you,” the Atletico coach said.

“The head of the referees explained that Cuti’s incident wasn’t a sending-off. I’m not going to go into the details.”

“What I do understand, from the positions we occupy, is that respect for referees, regardless of whether I benefited today, is something we have to maintain, because otherwise anything goes.”

Simeone then delivered his clearest message towards his Madrid counterpart.

“Not everything is acceptable, no matter if your name is Mourinho.”

Derby controversy continues to spill over

Mourinho had argued after the defeat that Madrid should have spent much of the match playing against nine men, while also questioning both the referee’s experience and the VAR’s handling of the incidents.

Diego Simeone insists on being respectful after Jose Mourinho’s after-game words. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

However, more than the respect that Diego Simeone seems to expect, making this about the referees is very counter-productive from a Madrid perspective.

The bottom line last night was that Los Blancos were nowhere close to the level the talent of their squad suggests.

They were second best for much of the game, with important big names failing to influence proceedings, and the 2-1 scoreline is perhaps flattering considering how things played out.

Refereeing injustices or not, Madrid have to use this international break to wake up because Barcelona look unstoppable in La Liga.

Unless Mourinho manages to completely revamp the mentality of this team and their style of play, early signs suggest Madrid are set to have yet another long season in the Spanish league.