Real Madrid TV has strongly criticized Jesús Gil Manzano, the referee for Sunday’s match between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu, calling him the “key figure in the biggest refereeing scandal in recent years.”

In a video released by Real Madrid TV, the channel reviewed refereeing mistakes that, according to the club, have disadvantaged Real Madrid. The channel particularly referenced an incident from last March when Gil Manzano controversially disallowed Jude Bellingham’s goal against Valencia by blowing the final whistle at a contentious moment.

In that match, where Real Madrid was fighting for the La Liga title, Gil Manzano blew the final whistle just as Bellingham headed the ball into Valencia’s net. The goal was disallowed, and Bellingham was shown a red card for protesting the decision. Gil Manzano wrote in his report: “After the match ended, while still on the pitch, he aggressively ran towards me shouting, ‘It’s a damn goal!’ multiple times.” This incident led to a two-match suspension for Real Madrid’s No. 5.

The referee from Extremadura was sidelined from officiating Real Madrid matches for several weeks after that incident. However, this season, he has refereed three more of the team’s matches, including two in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup final.

Gil Manzano has officiated 52 Real Madrid matches in total, resulting in 40 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses for Los Blancos. Now, after nearly two years, he will referee again at the Bernabéu.

Additionally, Real Madrid TV also dedicated a video to Hernández Maeso, the VAR referee for this match, reviewing his performance in previous Real Madrid matches. The channel claims Maeso has disadvantaged Real Madrid by not awarding penalties, wrongly disallowing goals, and failing to send off opposing players.