Real Madrid have been in the midst of a refereeing saga in recent weeks, with the club disappointed by decisions going against them in their recent La Liga encounters.
Jose Mourinho came to the press conference after the Madrid derby with photographs of challenges against his team that went unpunished.
He then decided to avoid the press conference altogether, fearing a suspension after the red card that Vinicius Junior received against Villarreal.
Now, Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has questioned the reluctance of professional footballers to speak openly about refereeing controversies.
His comments appear to be aimed at Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi following the youngster’s response to Madrid’s complaints.
Roberto Carlos questions players’ willingness to speak
As quoted by laSexta Deportes, the former Brazil international, who now serves as a Real Madrid ambassador, criticised the lack of unity among professional players.
“Professional players are not united. They are afraid to speak,” Roberto Carlos declared.
Cubarsi was asked about the situation in Barcelona’s press conference ahead of facing Galatasaray.
“I don’t focus on that issue, but on what I can do something about, which is my club, what we can give to our people,” Cubarsi said.
The 19-year-old’s response did not acknowledge the problem in La Liga or the inconsistency in refereeing decisions.
Carlos’ criticism also raises questions about whether players from rival clubs should remain silent when refereeing controversies involve teams other than their own.
Real Madrid’s refereeing frustrations continue
The debate comes shortly after Madrid’s controversial 1-0 victory over Villarreal, which included Vinicius Junior receiving a straight red card for pulling an opponent’s hair.
The Brazilian also had a goal disallowed following a VAR review, adding to the frustration surrounding the match.
Vinicius’ dismissal has also revived discussions about consistency in refereeing decisions, particularly after his representatives highlighted a previous incident involving Stole Dimitrievski.
Roberto Carlos makes an important point. Refereeing standards should not become a concern only when a particular club feels disadvantaged.
Real Madrid are right to want the refereeing to improve in La Liga. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
More professional footballers should be willing to speak openly when they believe decisions are inconsistent, regardless of whether those decisions affect Real Madrid, Barcelona or another La Liga side.
Remaining silent simply because a controversy involves a rival does little to improve the league.
Cubarsi is entitled to focus on Barcelona, but Roberto Carlos is right to suggest that greater unity could make the players’ collective voice more influential.
If more players speak out constructively, La Liga could face greater pressure to improve transparency, clarify its rules and ensure more consistent decisions.
Such changes would benefit the entire competition in the long run, and the ultimate goal should be an improvement in the refereeing system.