The referees are still the center of all media reports in Spain. The men in black are under huge pressure and are caught in the middle between Real Madrid and Barcelona. But it‘s not only them. Other clubs are affected, usually the ones who are playing with these clubs and the recent 1-1 draw in a city derby between Real and Atletico was another opportunity to talk about referees. Stefan Savić‘s header in the 49th minute of the derby was nullified by VAR. The referee canceled the goal for an offside by Saul Niguez, positioned just in front of goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. With the help of VAR, the main referee considered that he was playing a game, justifying the cancellation of the goal.Marcos Llorente returns to haunt Real in the Madrid DerbyAntoine Griezmann left two laughing emojis above the link with the referee‘s explanation, while the keeper Jan Oblak thought that he didn‘t know what was happening.”I don’t think anyone knew what was happening, even the referee didn’t know exactly what was happening. He called a player offside in front of the goalkeeper but I think even Lunin didn’t protest because the ball was too far away and it was impossible for him to react. As a goalkeeper, I hope that this kind of action would be whistled on the other side too. If someone is in front of the goalkeeper, they say it bothers you but there are times when they clearly don’t bother you” said Oblak.Xavi blasts the referee after Roque’s red cardReal Madrid has his own ways to put pressure on referees as its Real Madrid TV always puts out reports with all mistakes against the club, which is something Barca president Joan Laporta addressed. He said in one interview that Madrid “weren’t behaving well” with their participation in the Negreira case, and described Real Madrid TV’s videos as “shameful,” calling on the Spanish football federation to “get involved” in the matter.Laporta: I am not resigning! Real Madrid have been helped by the referees for 70 yearsHe was supported by coach Xavi who said:”I share the president’s words 100%”. The videos influence the competition completely, week after week. A blind person can see it”.❗Real Madrid TV attacks referee Sanchez Martínez, Laporta and Xavi:”Does he have the conscience to sleep today? “”Atletico Madrid is the team most favored by referees in La Liga”Laporta and Xavi will be happy today!””We must remember that Xavi’s whole career is in doubt… pic.twitter.com/UDFKiXbzuX— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 5, 2024 Asked about all of this, Real coach was very direct and simple:”I’m a professional, and as a professional, I don’t want to sink to that level, out of respect to Spanish football. Don’t ask me about that any more. I don’t want to sink to that. It isn’t a level for professionals” said Carlo Ancelotti, shutting down any more questions in that direction. Now, a report from AS appeared, in which a source from Real says that the club is really angry about this situation as they believe that both Xavi and Laporta are getting away with their statements and at the same time are putting pressure on the referees, who at the end denied no less than five penalties in the last two matches against Getafe and Atletico Madrid!LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 23FridayAthletic Club – Mallorca 4-0 (2-0)/Berchiche 3, 16, Guruzeta 62, Muniain 89/SaturdayValencia – Almeria 2-1 (2-0)/Duro 14, Yaremchuk 23 – Arribas 50/Granada – Las Palmas 1-1 (1-0)/Mendez 43 – Pejino 68/Alaves – Barcelona 1-3 (0-1)/Omorodion 51 – Lewandowski 23, Gundogan 49, Roque 63/Girona – Sociedad 0-0SundayVillarreal – Cadiz 0-0Osasuna – Celta 0-3 (0-2)/Larsen 24, De La Torre 25, Douvikas 90/Betis – Getafe 1-1 (1-1)/Isco 35 pen – Greenwood 8 pen/Real Madrid – Atl. Madrid 1-1 (1-0)/Diaz 20 – Llorente 90+3/Monday23:00: (2.25) Rayo Vallecano (3.35) Sevilla (3.50)***odds are subject to change***
