Heated Pre-Clásico Debate: Real Madrid Slams Referee neutrality once more
Madrid discloses upcoming match referee
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link As Real Madrid clings to the slimmest of chances, FC Barcelona stands on the cusp of capturing the title following the Champions League disappointment. But before the Clásico, the "Royals" are stirring up another tempest concerning the referee.
In the chase for surviving hope or sewing up the championship? Catalan resistance or Champions League fallout? A potential farewell triumph for Carlo Ancelotti or Hansi Flick's next power move? The sporting stakes of the 261st Clásico couldn't be higher in the season finale. However, the ongoing referee controversy has only added fuel to the already tense atmosphere before the game on Sunday (4:15 PM on DAZN and live ticker on ntv.de).
Real Madrid TV has taken aim at the assigned referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández, claiming he holds a personal bias against "Los Blancos" in favor of Barcelona. The video exposes alleged errors Hernández Hernández made against Real and criticizes his poor win percentage with the Madrid club. The clip also showcases an interview, where the referee, at the tender age of 12 in 1994, admitted his preference for Barcelona.
Real's Questionable Evidence
The video concludes with a newspaper clipping of the interview, raising questions about the relevance of a 28-year-old interview in assessing the referee's impartiality today. Just before the Copa del Rey final clash a few weeks back, the Royals had already ignited a controversy against referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and demanded his removal.
Though the threatened boycott didn't materialize, such public mudslinging campaigns are becoming increasingly annoying to Barcelona and the entire league. It's crucial to note that, on a sports front, Barcelona currently leads Real by four points with only four games remaining. If Real Madrid loses at the Olympic Stadium, their chances of capturing the title will be essentially zilch, marking the first season without a title in five years.
Alonso on Deck before Clásico
"We have a golden opportunity; we must prepare well - it's almost a do-or-die scenario," said Ancelotti, who could potentially be announcing his departure after the game. According to "Marca," Real is reportedly set to sign Xabi Alonso as his successor. Real Madrid is also without its mainstay defender Antonio Rudiger due to a suspension and injury.
The opponent Barcelona must recover from the bitter Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan (3:4 a.e.t.). "This defeat must reignite the hunger for the title win - that's crucial to me," said Flick, who is rumored to extend his contract soon. "We won't rest until we take the club where it belongs - at the pinnacle," declared teen phenom Lamine Yamal on Instagram. Real Madrid would certainly have something to say about that.
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
Insights:
- Controversies: Over the years, referee bias controversies in Clásico matches, particularly those involving Barcelona, have often centered around Real Madrid.
- Historical Context: Real Madrid has a history of criticizing referees in key matches, especially those involving Barcelona, often pointing to disputed calls that they perceive as favoring the opposition. These controversies have been recurring themes in Spanish football.
- Press and Public Response: The media and public have significantly contributed to propagating these controversies by circulating images, videos, and claims that fans believe support their arguments, further fueling the debate.
- The heated debate leading to the Clásico in Madrid has seen Real Madrid question the neutrality of referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández, citing alleged bias in favor of Barcelona.
- Real Madrid's video evidence, which includes a 28-year-old interview of the referee admitting his preference for Barcelona, has added fuel to the already tense atmosphere before the game.
- Barcelona and the entire league are finding the repeated mudslinging campaigns by Real Madrid, such as the recent one against referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, increasingly annoying.
- As the football season comes to a close, the stakes for the 261st Clásico are high, with Barcelona currently leading Real Madrid by four points in LaLiga, a position that could potentially solidify the championship for the Catalan club.
- In the wake of the Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan, Barcelona will have to recover both physically and mentally before facing a struggling Real Madrid, who may be led by Xabi Alonso in the future.
