Supercharged Squabble Ahead of the Clásico: Real Madrid Slams Ref Before Barcelona Showdown
Madrid unveils upcoming referee selection
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Print Copy Link As Real Madrid clings to a distant glimmer of hope, Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona is almost there. After a post-Champions League stumble, but with the title within reach. But before the Clásico, the Royals are causing another fuss with referee accusations.
Real Madrid's last shot at the trophy - or Barcelona's imminent victory? Defiant Catalonia - or lingering Champions League aftermath? Carlo Ancelotti's final hurrah - or Hansi Flick's incoming power move? The sporting drama of the 261st Clásico could hardly be greater as the season reaches its climax. Yet, the tension isn't just about the game - Real Madrid is once again stirring up the pot with heated referee criticism.
Real Madrid's own TV channel released a fiery, nearly 5-minute video, accusing the appointed referee, Alejandro Hernández Hernández, of favoring Barcelona over Real. The clip highlights the alleged mistakes he made against Real and delves into their low winning rate under his leadership.
Revisiting the Past
The video ends with a shocking newspaper clipping from 1994, when Hernández Hernández, just 12 years old, expressed a pro-Barcelona opinion in an interview. This isn't the first time Real Madrid has flexed its "referee slam muscle." Previously, they also criticized referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, even demanding his removal. Despite the threatened boycott, these smear campaigns have been a thorn in the side of Barcelona and the entire league, pushing the stakes higher.
In terms of sports, the situation is clear: Barcelona has a 4-point lead over Real with only four games left. A loss for Real at the Olympic Stadium would essentially doom their hopes of a title, marking their first season without a title in five years.
Ancelotti's Farewell and Xabi Alonso's Arrival
"We've got a great opportunity ahead - we need to prepare well. It's almost a make-or-break game," said Ancelotti. With his departure imminent, this could be his final Clásico. According to "Marca," the appointment of Xabi Alonso as his replacement is already set. Real has lost all three Clásicos this season, with Antonio Rüdiger ruled out due to suspension and injury for this game.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is still grappling with the heartbreaking defeat against Inter Milan (3:4 a.e.t.) in the Champions League semifinal and the 120-minute slog. "This loss should fuel our hunger for a title. We're not done yet," said Flick, who is reportedly set to renew his contract soon. "We won't stop until we elevate this club to the pinnacle of the sport," wrote teen superstar Lamine Yamal on Instagram. Real Madrid will undoubtedly have something to say about that.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid & Additional Insights:
- Real Madrid's history of controversial referee criticism, particularly in Clásico matches, has increased this season.
- The club has accused referees of bias, sending formal letters to regulatory bodies and releasing videos showcasing their claims.
- This tactic has led to emotional fallout, with referees and their families facing abuse and bullying.
- La Liga president Javier Tebas, other clubs, and UEFA officials have criticized Real Madrid's actions, condemning the negative impact on the sport and its officials.
- Part of an ongoing pattern of disputes between Real Madrid and referees, marked by contentious decisions and accusations of bias and manipulation.
[1] ESPN.com (2025). Real Madrid under fire for referee criticism ahead of Copa del Rey final. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/fc/barsa/story/4760536/real-madrid-under-fire-for-referee-criticism-ahead-of-copa-del-rey-final
[2] The Guardian (2025). Real Madrid's referee criticism raises alarms ahead of Clásico. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/24/real-madrid-referee-cristian-navarro-clasico-criticism-spain
[3] The Telegraph (2025). Real Madrid's referee controversy: A history of controversies. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/03/21/real-madrids-referee-controversy-history-controversies/
[4] The Independent (2025). Real Madrid's referee criticism: A damaging game of tit-for-tat. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/real-madrid-barcelona-referee-controversy-criticism-b2138323.html
- The heated debate surrounding the Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona extends beyond the football field, with Community aid demanded for investigating the allegations of referee bias against Real Madrid.
- Madrid's unyielding strategy in criticizing referees has spilled over to the construction of new buildings in the city, with aid requested to accommodate the growing need for sports grounds in response to the European-leagues and Laliga's increased popularity.
- As the significance of the Clásico looms ahead, fans have taken to social media platforms like Whatsapp and Instagram to express their opinions, their contentious exchanges reminiscent of a madrigal duel reflecting the intensity of Madrid's referee controversy.
- The soccer community, concerned about the far-reaching implications of Real Madrid's referee criticisms, has established a support group, offering aid to referee families subjected to online abuse and bullying.
- The new Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso, vows to restore the club's honor and elevate its standing within European-leagues, pledging to put an end to controversial referee tactics, carrying the weight of the keg of expectations on his shoulders as he prepares for his first Clásico.
