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La Liga has brought in a new rule for this season under which referees will give pre-match and post-match interviews during broadcasts to explain their decisions.

However, according to SPORT, the new transparency protocol will be in place at 19 stadiums across the league, but not at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Bernabeu has been left out because of Real Madrid’s restrictions regarding broadcasters’ connections at the stadium.

The move marks a major shift in the way refereeing is presented to supporters.

Under the new protocol, match officials will be available before and after games to speak during broadcasts, including offering explanations for decisions taken during matches.

The aim is to bring greater transparency to refereeing, an issue that has sparked major debate in Spanish football.

Santiago Bernabeu will not be part of the new referee protocol.

As a result, viewers watching league matches from the Bernabeu will not get the same level of access.

What makes the situation especially notable is that Real Madrid are the only exception in the entire league.

All 19 other La Liga stadiums are expected to be part of the protocol.

That creates an unusual situation in which the level of access to match officials will depend on whether a fixture is being played at the Bernabeu.

For Real Madrid supporters, that means potentially important refereeing decisions in home matches will not get the same immediate on-air explanation that will be available elsewhere.

The new transparency protocol will apply to 19 stadiums in La Liga.

Whatever the reason behind Real Madrid’s broadcasting restrictions, having one stadium function differently is far from ideal for a protocol built around transparency.

Consistency should be one of the most important elements of any league-wide refereeing initiative, especially considering how often Real Madrid have felt aggrieved by refereeing decisions.

If officials are going to explain decisions publicly, then Real Madrid will be at a disadvantage for exactly half of the matches they play this season.

Every time a controversial decision goes against Los Blancos in the coming season, this issue is certain to become a talking point.

Unless an agreement is eventually reached over the broadcasting restrictions, Real Madrid’s home matches will start the season outside a transparency initiative that will operate everywhere else in La Liga.