Real Madrid members are challenging a new disciplinary code that allows the club to punish them for comments and statements made in their private lives, including posts on social media.
The regulations, published by Real Madrid at the end of July, introduce tougher sanctions for members who resell season tickets or match tickets without the club’s authorisation. Such offences are classified as “very serious” and could lead to the loss of club membership.
However, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the strongest criticism is not directed at the measures against ticket reselling. Instead, it centres on provisions that appear to give Real Madrid the power to discipline members and season-ticket holders over their opinions and public statements.
Two clauses have prompted particular concern.
Article nine, section seven, defines “failure to respect representatives of the club and/or insulting them through actions, gestures or words” as a serious offence.
Article 10, section 18, classifies as a very serious offence any act or verbal or written statement that could damage the respect, dignity or image of Real Madrid, insult people who are part of the club or represent it, or cause serious harm to the club either directly or indirectly.
Lawyer Romero de la Osa said he believed the clauses amounted to an attack on freedom of expression. In his view, the club could not lawfully treat a supporter as having committed an offence simply for insulting or belittling one of its officials unless the matter was dealt with through the established legal process and in court.
“I can write what I write because I am not a member of Real Madrid or a supporter of the club. If I were, they could banish me for two or three years, or even permanently, and prevent me from watching my team for two or three years. Don’t you see the impact of this ban?” he said.
Under the new social disciplinary regulations, members found guilty of serious offences can have their membership suspended for between one and two years. They may also be barred from entering the club’s facilities for the same period.
For very serious offences, the penalties include a membership suspension lasting between two and three years and/or permanent expulsion from the club. Those sanctioned could also be prohibited from using Real Madrid facilities for between two and three years.
The rules also contain the stricter provisions relating to ticket resale. Members who resell season tickets or match tickets outside the club’s supervision can face severe punishment, with loss of membership among the possible consequences if they are found to have breached the regulations.
Meanwhile, El Confidencial reported that about 50 Real Madrid members had submitted a letter to the club’s offices requesting a hearing to discuss the new statutes.
The newspaper said Real Madrid refused to accept the letter. The members subsequently sent it by registered post and are considering legal action against the board if they do not receive a response.