Real Madrid Football Club and its executives could face criminal trial over alleged environmental offences related to noise pollution from concerts held at their iconic Bernabéu stadium. A Spanish judge has determined there is sufficient evidence to proceed with legal action following complaints from local residents who described the venue as "the torture-drome" during major musical events.
Residents' Legal Action and Health Complaints
The Residents' Association for those Affected by the Bernabéu (AVPB) initiated legal proceedings against both the football club and Madrid city council in 2024. The group claimed that a series of exceptionally loud concerts held during spring and summer months had severely impacted their quality of life and wellbeing.
One resident described the situation to media outlets as "just hideous," explaining that the noise pollution created practical difficulties alongside significant health concerns. Many reported increased frequency of headaches, elevated stress levels, anxiety symptoms, and depression linked to the excessive noise from stadium events.
Judge's Investigation and Indictments
Judge Mónica Aguirre, who has been investigating the complaints, has formally indicted Real Madrid's CEO José Ángel Sánchez along with the subsidiary company responsible for operating the stadium venue. Legal documents indicate both parties will face "abbreviated proceedings" after the judge identified "indications of the commission of allegedly criminal acts" specifically related to environmental noise pollution offences.
The legal complaint alleges that Real Madrid continued to hire out their stadium to concert promoters despite being aware that the facility lacked adequate acoustic insulation. This allegedly resulted in environmental contamination of surrounding areas and serious impacts on neighbours' rights with potential health dangers.
Evidence of Excessive Noise Levels
Enrique Martínez de Azagra, president of the AVPB residents' association, welcomed the judicial decision, stating the group had collected substantial evidence documenting problematic noise levels. According to their measurements, decibel readings exceeded established health risk thresholds on more than one hundred separate occasions during the period under investigation.
Major international artists including Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel, and Colombian superstar Karol G performed at the Bernabéu during the timeframe referenced in the legal action. These high-profile concerts attracted massive audiences but generated corresponding noise complaints from nearby residential areas.
Club Response and Concert Cancellations
In September 2024, Real Madrid issued a statement announcing they had decided to cancel or reschedule all concerts scheduled for the Bernabéu stadium. The club described this as part of broader measures to ensure future events would comply strictly with municipal noise regulations.
Despite implementing various soundproofing measures at the venue, the club acknowledged that different event organisers and promoters had encountered difficulties meeting council noise requirements. Real Madrid emphasized their commitment to addressing the concerns while continuing to operate within regulatory frameworks.
The legal proceedings represent a significant development in ongoing tensions between major entertainment venues and residential communities regarding noise pollution. As urban stadiums increasingly host concerts alongside sporting events, balancing commercial interests with environmental protections and community wellbeing remains a complex challenge for authorities and operators alike.
