Villarreal and their head coach Fran Escriba came out to put an end to the refereeing saga that has escalated in the wake of their 3-2 loss to Real Madrid at home on Sunday.
The home team took a 2-0 lead in the second half with goals from Manu Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu before Gareth Bale reduced the deficit.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano then awarded Madrid a penalty after Bruno Soriano used his hand in the box and Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to level proceedings. Alvaro Morata sealed the win for the visitors with a late goal to send the home crowd into a chorus of boos.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique came out on social media after the game and accused the referee of favouritism for Zinedine Zidane's team, and it quickly became a war of words as Madrid players came out to defend their cause.
Contra los mismos equipos. 8 puntos. 8 y tal. Los recortes son de prensa de Madrid por la duda. pic.twitter.com/nZUDgrjuVd
- Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) February 26, 2017
"I think it's all been exaggerated," Escriba said. "I think we have to look at it objectively because we can't be blowing things out of proportion.
"In every game there are refereeing mistakes but we have to accept that is something that is part and parcel of the game.
"That a coach is sent off for protesting -- give a fine and that's the end of it. In a perfect world, all of the fuss would stop when the game is over but I can understand that it is a part of football."
The referee did not help his cause as Villarreal president Fernando Roig alleged that he saw Manzano leaving the stadium with bags of Madrid merchandise, which Escriba felt should not have been exaggerated.
"To be completely honest I have no idea whether it is a usual for a referee to leave a stadium with club bags," he added.
"I remember as a player that there would be presents for the team in the dressing room. But I think on this occasion it's being exaggerated.
"I think it would be wise to not look for problems where there aren't any. Although I will also add that every club is free to do what they want.
"Maybe it was a little clumsy -- it would have been easy to put them in a rucksack and no one would know any different. But as I say, some people are insinuating that it is connected to the decision taken in the match and that is not the way I see it at all."
Villarreal also released a statement via Marca on Tuesday evening to put an end to the controversy and urged all parties to move on from the unfortunate saga.