Xavi: FC Barcelona manager hits out at referee, indicates favoritism in Real Madrid’s victory over Almeria
FC Barcelona boss Xavi has made a strong point in taking a jibe at refereeing decisions at La Liga as Real Madrid ‘controversially’ wins their home fixture against last-placed UD Almeria. Reportedly, Los Blancos were trailing 0-2 in half-time, but few debatable decisions got their way as Carlo Ancelotti’s side completed a comeback to win the game 3-2, with skipper Dani Carvajal scoring the winner in dying minutes.
Controversial refereeing decisions take centerstage at La Liga
La Liga has seemed to have handled the referee issues bit complicatedly this season, as several controversial decisions look to have aroused issues which has not gone well with several clubs. Based on that, Barcelona manager Xavi has hit out at another wrong decision episode of match officials which occurred a game before the Catalans, where Real Madrid defeated last-placed UD Almeria rather controversially. The former Spanish midfield metronome had not been shy this season, speaking often about the wrong decisions taken by match officials, vexed at their outcomes, thus serving several game bans owing to his touchline conduct.
Although Barca had won 4-2 against Real Betis at Benito Villamarin without any hassle from the referees, Real Madrid’s victory over Almeria has raised questions once again about the ‘favoritism’ towards certain club. Los Blancos had benefitted from three definite VAR calls which took place in second half, thus helping them register a comeback victory.
On the contrary, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has spoken out in favor of those decisions, as he felt that every outcomes was absolutely spot-on, as he shoved away any possible rumors of controversy.
“Difficult to win the league”
Xavi, on the other hand, has lashed out at the result, and has spoken out his opinion, as he did not laud the refereeing decisions. He was heard saying, according to Mundo Deportivo, “I’m left with the reflections of Garitano (the Almería coach) and Alfredo Relaño, a very good journalist. It’s going to be very difficult to win this league. I already said that in Getafe. I saw things that did not fit right for me.”
“There have been many incidents. I remember the Getafe penalty, the incident with Raphinha in Vallecas and the goal in Granada by Joao Felix. We could have six more points. These are not excuses, they are realities.”
With an outspoken judgement like this, it might cause a problem for Xavi in the long run if La Liga considers it to be a violation of their rules of conduct.
