Villarreal president Fernando Roig has signed a formal letter apologising after his outburst in the aftermath of defeat to Real Madrid.

Roig revealed the match officials left with "Real Madrid bags", hinting at something sinister after the 3-2 loss.

In the statement, signed by the president himself, Villarreal apologized to the trio, led by Jesus Gil Manzano.

In addition, the club affirmed that it supports the referees "in the difficult task" that they have in games and counts on their "professionalism".

It concluded: "Villarreal CF regrets and sincerely apologizes to the referee team last Sunday, led by Jesús Gil Manzano, for the message that they found in their vehicles at the exit of the stadium, which we deeply reject."