Athletic makes clear that everything has a limit

Athletic Bilbao issued a statement defending referees after Sunday's derby penalty decision, calling for respect from all football stakeholders.

Athletic Bilbao released an official statement titled "Protecting referees is protecting football" following controversy over a penalty awarded in Sunday's Basque derby at San Mamés. Referee Hernández Hernández awarded the spot kick for Aramburu's challenge on Nico Williams, which Berenguer converted to secure Athletic's victory.

While Real Sociedad disputed the decision and the CTA's review panel confirmed it was correct, Athletic used the moment to make a broader point about referee respect. The club, led by president Jon Uriarte, stated that "everything has a limit" and called on players, coaches, officials, media and fans to maintain respect even when disagreeing with decisions. Athletic noted that rugby demonstrates how collective respect for referees can be maintained even during controversial moments.

The club emphasized that while referees are human and make mistakes, errors cannot justify campaigns of pressure or intimidation. Athletic committed to defending the refereeing profession and noted its stance has been consistent regardless of whether decisions favoured or harmed the club's interests.