The referees' collective asks the Consejo Superior de Deportes to lead a firm response after the latest attacks, such as the threatening banner against Del Cerro Grande

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Professional referees call for urgent action against football violence

Spain's professional referees have raised their voices in response to the worrying increase in violent behaviour towards their work. In an official statement, they have called for the adoption of urgent, firm and effective measures by the competent institutions, with special mention of the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), which they urge to become actively involved.

This appeal comes just two days after a threatening banner appeared at the Espanyol stadium with the image of Carlos del Cerro Grande, a former Madrid footballer, depicting him with a target on his forehead and the offensive message: ‘Wanted, Carlos Del Cerro Grande’.

Verbal and symbolic violence is being transferred to the stadiums

The communiqué condemns "these unacceptable acts" and stresses that these aggressions are the result of an escalation of verbal violence encouraged by certain sectors of football. ‘Instead of reducing tension, certain public speeches seem to encourage such behaviour, generating a climate of growing hostility towards the refereeing profession,’ they denounced.

The most recent event that has ignited the controversy was the match between Mallorca and Espanyol, corresponding to the 28th round of La Liga. In it, Del Cerro Grande acted as VAR and his intervention led to the repetition of a penalty that resulted in the victory of the Balearic team. Espanyol's complaints soon followed, demanding explanations from the referees.

They ask for institutional leadership from the CSD

The referees are calling for institutional responsibilities to be assumed, as well as the need for a coordinated and effective response to put a stop to this worrying situation. In the words of the collective:

‘It is time for the Consejo Superior de Deportes to act as the guarantor of sport, leading a clear and energetic reaction in the face of a direct threat to the values of sport and the integrity of those who represent it’.

In addition, they have expressed their concern about the personal and family impact that this violence is generating, extending even to grassroots football and other sports, where physical and verbal aggressions are reported every week, often against minors.

Legal action in defence of referees' dignity

The statement also announces that the collective will take joint legal action, with the aim of protecting the safety and dignity of its members in the face of this type of attack.

This is not the first time that referees have denounced the situation. Last February they warned about the insults and threats received by José Luis Munuera Montero after a match between Osasuna and Real Madrid, where he sent off Jude Bellingham. This was compounded by unfounded allegations of conflict of interest against the referee, which were finally dismissed by the RFEF after an investigation.

A wake-up call to Spanish sport

The referees' collective concludes its statement with a message of unity and firmness, making it clear that they will not allow this type of violence to go unpunished. They call for a real commitment on the part of all those involved in sport to stop the normalisation of attacks on referees, which are essential for the proper conduct of competitions.