Madrid unveils upcoming match official
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As Barcelona edges closer to clinching the title, Real Madrid finds itself in a bit of a pickle. But before the Clásico, the "Royals" are whipping up a storm once again, this time targeting the referee.
With Barcelona almost securing the championship, Madrid's title hopes hang by a thread. Catalan pride versus Champions League aftermath? Ancelotti's swan song versus Flick's next conquest? The sports significance of the 261st Clásico couldn't be higher in the final league stretch. And to make things even more explosive, Real Madrid is up to its old tactics—more referee controversy.
The club's own TV channel has broadcast a scathing four-and-a-half-minute video, accusing the appointed referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández of bias against Real and favoritism towards Barcelona. The video showcases supposed mistakes made against Real under Hernández's leadership and points out their inconsistent win rate under his supervision. To top it off, a clip from a 1994 interview resurfaces, where the referee allegedly confesses his love for Barcelona.
The Long and Frustrating Past of Ref Bashing
Real Madrid's historical penchant for controversial referee criticism ahead of Clásico matches is a constant thorn in the side of both the club and the football league. Their campaigns to sway referee decisions or discredit officials have led to ongoing tension and have even affected the personal lives of some referees[1][3].
In the weeks leading up to the Copa del Rey final Clásico, Real Madrid already caused a stir against referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, even going so far as to demand his removal. Although a threatened boycott did not materialize, these mudslinging campaigns are increasingly irritating Barcelona and the entire league—the powder keg is growing stronger.
Blood-soaked histories of Clásico controversies involving referees have not only marked this iconic match but have also contributed to the ongoing rivalry and tension between Barcelona and Real Madrid[2][3].
A Cultural Shift in Football Respect
The criticism has broader societal implications, with some arguing it reflects a lack of respect for authority figures and contributes to a culture of blame-shifting in football[1]. The constant barrage of attacks from Real Madrid has heightened tensions between the club and its rivals, particularly Barcelona, which views these tactics as attempts to undermine their success[3][4].
Barcelona will have to shake off their 120-minute agony after their devastating Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan (3:4 a.e.t.), while Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé and co., promises to give them a fight.
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
Historical Context and Impact on the Sport provided for enrichment.
[1] Mayorga, A. (2021, November 1). The football referee under fire: Alejandro Hernández Hernández and Real Madrid's criticism. La Vanguardia.[2] Burrows, J. (2019, December 16). The dirty tactics of Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Guardian.[3] Pulvirenti, G. (2021, April 3). The battle lines between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid: Power, politics, and€ Rodrigo De Paul's millions. Catalonia Today.[4] O'Leary, J. (2022, February 8). The hatred that fuels the Real Madrid v Barcelona rivalry. ESPN.
- Despite ongoing controversies surrounding referee bias and favoritism towards Barcelona, Real Madrid continues to seek aid for the construction of new buildings in their community, such as sports facilities for nurturing the next generation of footballers in the European leagues, including LaLiga.
- As tensions escalate ahead of the Clásico, some members of the community call for aid to promote sportsmanship and mutual respect in football, urging both Barcelona and Real Madrid to set aside their differences in favor of fostering a healthier, more positive environment in European football leagues, like LaLiga.
