Sergio Ramos does not feel he "crossed any lines" with his criticism of referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez following Real Madrid's shock loss to Levante.
Madrid captain Ramos was booked after just 10 minutes of the 1-0 defeat on Saturday and the centre-back also felt Los Blancos were twice denied penalties.
The Spain centre-back let his frustration be known after the game when he said: "I'm annoyed with Hernandez Hernandez.
"Referees were more respectful before and captains could speak to them. The arrogance is something that you have or you don't have.
"I asked if he had any personal problem with me and, if he did, to tell me so we could work it out. We're annoyed."
It is not the first time Ramos has taken issue with the official this season, having been left annoyed when VAR was not used to check a couple of calls in December's goalless Clasico with Barcelona.
But Ramos justified his comments after the Levante defeat when previewing Madrid's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Manchester City.
"I don't feel persecuted in Spain, but the philosophy is different in Europe, a bit more permissive in some things," he said.
"The last game [Levante] was something personal, but generally I feel I have a good relationship with refs.
"I've never said anything out of place, nor never lacked respect for any referee. This is a democracy, and you can speak your mind, I don't think I've crossed any lines."
February 24, 2020