'I've never seen a president like that!' - Thibaut Courtois slams Javier Tebas and La Liga for censoring player protests while taking aim at Barcelona chief Joan Laporta over referee treatment claim

Courtois has hit out at La Liga after players across the division staged silent protests at kick-off this past weekend, opposing the league’s plan to take Villarreal vs Barcelona to Miami on December 20. Players stood motionless as a symbolic act of resistance but broadcasters avoided showing the protests, instead cutting to aerial shots of stadiums with the message “Commitment to peace”.

Adding fuel to the backlash, La Liga and match organisers Relevent have now officially cancelled the proposed fixture in the United States, citing a lack of preparation time and uncertainty within Spanish football. Despite its cancellation, the controversy has already left its mark fans were angered, players made their stance clear, and the debate over league decision-making intensified.

Courtois spoke in a tense press conference ahead of Madrid’s Champions League game against Juventus and did not hold back in his accusations. 

"La Liga does whatever it wants because it suits them,” said the Belgian. “This decision distorts the competition. Playing at home is not the same as playing away. In La Liga, playing away is very difficult, as we saw against Real Sociedad and Getafe. Villarreal away is tough. It’s not fair to change the rules mid-season without consulting us.

“Hiding the protests and trying to change the narrative is censorship and manipulation. I don't know what surprises you. They've been doing this for a while. I've already said I've never seen a president speak the way he does... It's censorship, it's manipulation, it's serious."

The ex-Chelsea star also contrasted La Liga’s plans with the NBA and NFL, who regularly play matches abroad: “The NBA has 82 games, and the NFL’s owners collectively approve these decisions. Here, La Liga acts unilaterally. It’s not the same."

The debate escalated further when the goalkeeper directly responded to comments made by Barcelona president Laporta. After Barca’s win over Girona, Laporta hinted at unfair refereeing by referencing a “white hand” influencing decisions. He claimed their coach Hansi Flick had been unfairly suspended and suggested external forces were favouring Madrid.

“Are you talking about a white hand? If there isn’t one, it looks very similar. Our coach won’t be there for the next match, although the club is going to appeal Hansi Flick’s suspension,” said the Barca president.

Courtois responded firmly to Laporta’s claims, pointing out that such comments were linked to the ongoing Negreira refereeing scandal surrounding Barcelona.

"[Laporta] says that because he has to, because of the Negreira case. I've never noticed that at Madrid, quite the opposite. I don't feel like they've benefited us at any point," he said. 

The tension between both clubs adds yet another layer to an already hostile atmosphere ahead of El Clasico. Laporta’s remarks were made during Barcelona’s General Assembly, increasing political pressure within the club and casting refereeing narratives into the spotlight.

The 33-year-old is preparing for his 300th appearance for Los Blancos when they host Juve in the Champions League. A win would help them maintain control of their European campaign and boost morale ahead of El Clasico. Key returns such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy are expected, but doubts remain over Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen, who are racing against time for fitness.

El Clasico remains the real focus for Madrid. Barcelona are just two points behind and have regained form after a 6-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos. A defeat for Madrid could see their lead at the top disappear, placing extra pressure on Xabi Alonso’s squad management during a demanding week.

Beyond injuries, Alonso will emphasise composure amid rising political noise surrounding referees and league decisions. Madrid edged past Getafe 1-0 in their last game, aware that even minor lapses could prove costly in a title race this tight. With tensions rising between club presidents and players now speaking publicly, El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu promises more than just football it’s a battle on and off the pitch.