"To me it seems a friendly gesture, I do it with you all and you don't say anything", he responded to the journalists who asked about the incident at the Ipurua ahead of a meal with members of Valencia's board.
Alberola Rojas lightly touched the back of Álvaro Morata's neck after an argument between them lasted much longer than it really should have. The Atlético striker got visibly annoyed and ended up being shown a yellow card.
The official, for his part, has been punished by the CTA - he won't referee a game this weekend. And although Cerezo said what he said, Atlético coach Simeone complained that he was banned four games for a similar incident.
Joking aside, Enrique Cerezo wanted to highlight the importance of the winter signing from Chelsea. "Morata is a fantastic football who is suited really well to Atlético Madrid", he said, trying to play down his latest outburst.