Real Madrid has escalated its ongoing dispute with journalist Juanma Castaño by publishing a three-minute, 14-second video targeting him on its official social media channels.
The video marks a significant intensification of the disagreement, which originated from a column by Castaño comparing Real Madrid TV to the Basque newspaper Gara. Castaño had previously apologised for this specific comparison but maintained his broader criticism of the club’s television channel, accusing it of lying, manipulating, targeting, and harassing.
Club’s Video Targets Journalist
The video, released by Real Madrid, compiles a decade of Castaño’s on-air history, reportedly using various clips to counter his accusations against Real Madrid TV. It concludes with a photograph of Castaño alongside Atlético de Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, though the club offered no explanation for the image’s inclusion.
This move follows an earlier communiqué from Real Madrid and a response from Real Madrid TV to Castaño’s initial apology, indicating a direct institutional confrontation rather than just a channel defending its coverage.
Castaño Stands Firm
Responding on air to the club’s video, Castaño rejected its contents and accused Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez of waging a personal crusade against him. Despite the club’s actions, Castaño affirmed that he would not change his journalistic approach or soften his commentary.
He acknowledged that the situation bothered him but stated it came with the job. Interestingly, Castaño also reiterated that he still considers Florentino Pérez the best president in Real Madrid’s history for his achievements, separating his criticism of Pérez’s actions in this dispute from his overall assessment of the president’s tenure at the club.