Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has called on the Spanish media to stick to the "codes" and values necessary in a democratic society as criticism of his regime continues.
Perez has long had a close relationship with many senior figures in the local sporting media, but in recent years his running of the club been criticised intensely by some outlets, and he has often responded by branding journalists as "liars" and entire publications as "anti-madridista."
The president has previously hit out at some reporters for not sufficiently condemning the "Ultras Sur" group, as well as media criticism over how he runs the club, and coverage of chants at the Santiago Bernabeu for him to resign.
Such chants were very loud after late November's 4-0 Clasico defeat to Barcelona, and were heard again before and during Sunday's strange 10-2 La Liga win at home to Rayo Vallecano.
Madrid coach Rafa Benitez and his players were whistled by the 61,584 fans at the Bernabeu -- their lowest crowd of the season -- especially when 2-1 down early in the game. While, after Rayo had two men sent off, and Los Blancos had taken advantage and piled on the goals, some among the crowd made a point of applauding the visiting side.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has recently denied being unsettled at the club, angrily gestured to the crowd to get off the team's backs -- and was supported in this stance afterwards by club captain Sergio Ramos. Ramos also pointed out when speaking with reporters that Perez was "the king" at the Bernabeu, and everyone else only "pawns."
In the early 1980s, Perez ran unsuccessfully for the then new Spanish parliament as a candidate for a conservative party, and he reminded those at the club's annual media dinner on Monday about the dictatorial government in Spain until the mid-1970s, while suggesting some in sports journalism were not living up to their responsibilities in the new democratic state as they were feeding a negative atmosphere at the club.
"We worked hard so that the press could work freely to meet the demands of a democratic society," Perez said. "And we were all extremely proud of the newly founded press which came into fruition in Spain in 1976 and we were also proud of the dedication shown by the press in this brand new Spain.
"I know that sports journalism is somewhat related with entertainment, but I ask you not to stray away from the codes we fight for and that are so essential for continuing to build a more free and democratic society."
Perez's speech also included talk of how his club were a symbol of the Spanish state nationwide, and that all those around the club had a responsibility to be exemplary in all they do.
"Real Madrid are a symbol of our country and one of the most loved," he said. "For many people the image of Spain is that of Real Madrid and we have an enormous responsibility and obligation to set an example and be transparent."