Atlético fire back at Real Madrid with Mourinho printer video after derby referee row

Atlético Madrid took their public dispute with Real Madrid to social media on Monday, posting a Mourinho-themed printer video that called for an end to what the club described as referee harassment — a direct response to their city rivals’ complaints following Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat.

Atlético’s printer-themed reply

Roughly 24 hours after the final whistle at the Metropolitano, Atlético’s official channels posted a video of a sheet of paper emerging from a printer, bearing an image of José Mourinho holding up his own printed evidence from his post-match press conference. The accompanying message, published in both Spanish and English, demanded an end to alleged referee harassment. A second post followed shortly after, using imagery suggesting the club’s machinery was switching on for an upcoming stretch without league football. Neither post offered further explanation, leaving the printer visual to carry the message.

The complaints that preceded the reply

Despite Diego Simeone’s side being the superior team on the day, Real Madrid’s official channels argued the result had been shaped by refereeing and VAR decisions, with Real Madrid TV using inflammatory language to describe the situation as unacceptable.

Mourinho’s press conference, held at the Metropolitano auditorium, focused almost entirely on officiating. He appeared with photographs of two challenges involving Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee that he believed should have resulted in dismissals, and argued the referee committee — not just Atlético — should be satisfied with how the appointment had unfolded. Background on the VAR conversations from the match added further scrutiny to the flashpoints Mourinho raised.

Simeone calls for perspective

Before Atlético’s social-media response landed, Simeone addressed the controversy in his own press conference, urging respect for differing opinions. He named himself, Hansi Flick, Mourinho and Jürgen Klopp as examples of high-profile coaches who carry a responsibility to be careful with their public comments, warning that crossing that line ultimately damages everyone involved.

Simeone’s broader message was one of perspective, seeking to keep the focus on Atlético’s performance rather than allow the officiating dispute to become the defining story of the derby. According to Goal, the club’s follow-up posts were widely shared internationally within hours of going live.