'Talks too much' - Carlo Ancelotti hits back at Javier Tebas after La Liga president slammed 'crying club' Real Madrid for complaints against Spanish officiating

A series of rows over refereeing decisions have seen a disagreement between Real and La Liga become public, with Ancelotti unhappy about Tebas' jibe. Real believe they receive specific treatment from Spanish officials, something that the league refutes.

Real made their complaints official earlier this month, sending a letter of complaint to the Spanish Federation after their 1-0 defeat to Espanyol, when goalscorer Carlos Romero avoided a red card for a foul on Kylian Mbappe. The La Liga champions believe the system is set up to disadvantage them.

Tebas has given Real's complaints short shrift and Ancelotti responded to his 'crying team' taunt, saying: "Tebas talks too much about Real Madrid. Since I’ve been here…there’s a lack of respect for many Real Madrid fans by talking like that. There are more important issues in Spanish football [such as officiating] and he has to focus more on solving the problems of Spanish football."

Despite their grievances, Real are second in La Liga and level on points with leaders Barcelona. They still have to play their biggest rivals in May, while Atletico Madrid are only one point behind them both.