On October 29, the first hearing was held regarding a complaint filed by the Neighborhood Association of Those Affected by Bernabéu against Real Madrid. The hearing was attended by Florentino Pérez’s close associate, Jose Ángel Sánchez.

Real Madrid denies association's accusations

Real Madrid’s General Director, José Ángel Sánchez, appeared before Madrid’s Disciplinary Court No. 53 to defend the club's actions, stating that the club has already invested over €160 million in projects aimed at improving the acoustics and soundproofing of Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The plan is ongoing, and the club suspended concerts after issues at a Romeo Santos concert. The city authorities have imposed 11 fines on concert organizers, totaling €801,000, pointing to their responsibility for not adhering to legal noise standards.

The hearing was no joke for the director and the right-hand man of Florentino Pérez: the crime is accused of carries a penalty of six months to two years of imprisonment and a special professional disqualification for two years. Additionally, the general director of Real Madrid pointed out that the Chamartín district is already a high-noise area in itself, meaning the Bernabéu’s contribution to the overall noise level is not as decisive.

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Judge Mónica Aguirre de la Cuesta rejected the association's appeal to expand the complaint to include Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and the delegate for urban planning, Borja Carabante. The hearing also addressed permit issues. The judge clarified allegations made by residents and some media, suggesting that Real Madrid operates without proper licensing, which the club firmly denied. Real Madrid assured that all events held at the stadium, including concerts, had required special administrative permits, with organizers required to comply with regulations, including the local noise ordinance.

Club suspends concerts until case resolution

Real Madrid stressed its commitment to maintaining good relations with neighbors affected by noise issues, engaging in dialogue to agree on soundproofing improvements for the stadium. The case remains ongoing, and the club is awaiting further court rulings on evidence and testimonies. The club intends to resume concerts at Bernabéu next year, though no exact date has been set. José Ángel Sánchez was clear: concerts will return only when the venue meets standards.

A district representative expressed concerns, saying, This is not a football or Real Madrid issue but one of public health. The health of thousands is at risk, with approximately 800 homes and around 2,000 residents around Bernabéu facing serious problems.

© Real Madrid