Spanish journalist apologizes for comparing Real Madrid TV to Basque newspaper Gara
The short version
- Juanma Castano apologized for comparing Real Madrid TV to the Basque newspaper Gara.
- The comparison appeared in a column published by ABC after the Madrid derby.
- Real Madrid called the remark an extremely serious act that crossed all boundaries.
- Castano stood by his wider criticism of Real Madrid TV's coverage of refereeing.
Juanma Castano withdrew his comparison of Real Madrid TV to Gara after the club's strong objection, but stood by his criticism of the channel.
Spanish radio journalist Juanma Castano has apologized for comparing Real Madrid's official television channel to the Basque newspaper Gara, a remark that drew a sharp rebuke from the club.
Castano, who works for Cadena COPE, made the comparison in a column published Tuesday by ABC, criticizing how Real Madrid TV covered the refereeing controversy that followed the Madrid derby. Referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias's performance in that match remained a major point of debate.
Real Madrid responded with a statement calling the comparison an extremely serious act that crossed all boundaries. The reference was to Gara, a Basque newspaper with historical links to the former ETA terrorist organization.
Speaking later, Castano acknowledged the metaphor was excessive and unnecessary. He apologized specifically for the comparison and said he should not have made it in the ABC article.
However, he maintained his broader criticism, saying his opinion of Real Madrid TV as an outlet that lies, manipulates, singles out and harasses was unchanged and would remain so until the channel altered its behavior.
