German journalist Philipp Selldorf has launched a scathing attack on Real Madrid, labeling the Spanish giants an “unethical club” that thrives on “conspiracy theories.”
In a column for the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, Selldorf did not hold back in his criticism of the club’s conduct, particularly in the wake of their recent Champions League semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.
The journalist’s ire was primarily directed at the controversial events that unfolded in the final moments of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 8, 2024. He focused on the disallowed goal for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, which was ruled out for an offside call against Noussair Mazraoui just before the shot.
Selldorf accused Real Madrid of a blatant lack of sportsmanship. He pointed to the behavior of several Madrid players, who he claims immediately and aggressively surrounded the match officials to pressure them into disallowing the goal, rather than allowing play to continue naturally.
“A club without ethics,” Selldorf wrote, describing the scene. “The players did not wait for the referee’s decision. They stormed towards him, screaming and gesticulating.”
He extended this criticism to the club’s broader culture, stating that Real Madrid “lives conspiracy theories” and consistently portrays itself as a victim persecuted by UEFA and the refereeing establishment.
The article also referenced the club’s ongoing and vehement opposition to the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Selldorf suggested this stance is hypocritical, noting that Madrid has frequently benefited from refereeing decisions in the past.
Furthermore, Selldorf connected this incident to the club’s past, recalling the infamous “ghost goal” from a Champions League quarter-final against Juventus in 2005. He implied a pattern of behavior where the club’s immense influence and reaction can impact high-stakes moments.
Real Madrid went on to win the match 2-1, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1, 2024.
