Special treatment for Real Madrid? Why the referees remain silent at the Santiago Bernabeu despite the new rule

In the Spanish Primera Division, since the start of the new season referees have, as in the Bundesliga, been making controversial decisions transparent for the spectators via announcements. Just not at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu.

This is reported by the Spanish newspaper Sport.

Referee announcements: Why are there no sanctions for Real Madrid?

The club severely limits television broadcasters' access rights and only allows live links in a very narrow window directly before kick-off. In practice, that tightly controlled timeframe makes smooth implementation of the referees' explanations impossible.

Real, LaLiga and RFEF association have been at odds for some time

That obstructive stance fits neatly into the strained relationship between the Real hierarchy, the leadership of LaLiga and the RFEF association. Fundamental conflicts over marketing, balances of power and organisational details in Spain's top flight have been simmering between the parties for a long time. The blocked access for TV partners reflects the club's uncompromising line in this power struggle.

Following initial test runs on the first matchday, the transparency drive is set to be rolled out across the board from the 10th matchday. The league's stated aim is not to turn officials into the main protagonists, but to build greater acceptance for their interpretations of complex match situations.