The war between Real Madrid and the Spanish refereeing system has only escalated in recent weeks, and it is clear that their relationship is currently at an all-time low.
Several refereeing decisions in recent games, after all, have gone dead against Los Blancos, right from the controversial red card awarded to Dean Huijsen in the Madrid derby to Vinicius Jr. being sent off against Villarreal.
While the decisions themselves may well be the right ones from the referee, the reason for concern at Real Madrid is why the incidents are only being selectively reviewed and why the same punishment is not awarded to all incidents involving the same foul.
The RFEF continue to side with the referees, and it is safe to say that Los Blancos are fighting a lone battle at this point.
Atletico Madrid president addresses the situation
Real Madrid’s relationship with the referees is at an all-time low. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Earlier today, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo was asked about the war between Real Madrid and the referees in Spain and what he made of the entire situation.
He was specifically asked if the entire situation affected the image of Spanish football, especially given how Real Madrid have one of the biggest fanbases in the league.
“I believe there shouldn’t be wars in football in general, and even less so between officials,” he began.
“I think it’s an issue they need to resolve,” he added.
He then proposed a surprising change to solve the problem and pushed for VAR to be removed.
“And since everything revolves around the referees, what they should do from my point of view is abolish video technology so there are no problems with the referees.”
Guler could have been sent off against Sevilla. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He was then quizzed on Real Madrid’s regular clashes with referees and how the club have been complaining for long against the refereeing rules not being standardized.
“We all complain about everything. The problem is that some complain more and some less,” he said.
“We have complained too, and perhaps we will continue to complain. But we believe we should stand with the referees. Referees make mistakes when they don’t see the play,” he added, siding with the officials.
“But if they see it, rest assured they don’t make mistakes,” he concluded.
Finally, he was asked to give his two cents on the incident involving Arda Guler in Real Madrid’s clash against Sevilla, where VAR did not intervene because they did not find an angle that showed the incident properly.
“I saw it clearly. But perhaps the referee didn’t see it.”
“What do you want me to tell you? We’re always in the same problem, did he see it or not? I’m convinced that if he saw it, he would have awarded it. And if he didn’t see it, I imagine that’s the reason it wasn’t awarded,” he concluded.
Source: Radio MARCA