Everyone loves a conspiracy theory and Real Madrids sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has started a media frenzy in Spain by suggesting that refereeing decisions are sabotaging his sides chances of winning the league title.
Referee Javier Turienzo Alvarez is the target of Reals ire this time for his decision to award two disputed penalties against them in their defeat in Santander.
Top selling sports Marca daily dubbed Alvarez the executioner on its front page the day after the match, while TVEs Real Madrid-obsessed soccer chat show El Rondo devoted almost the whole of its 90-minute slot to criticising the referee.
Turienzo Alvarez told Punto Radio that he has received over 50 death threats in the wake of the controversy.
For years Reals rivals have accused the nine-times European champions of enjoying refereeing favours, but much of that was due to the fact that they were a highly successful side who were renowned for their attacking play. The recent rise of complaints from Real at their treatment from officials has coincided with their worst run of form in over 50 years.
Do Real have a case? It was interesting that Real great Alfredo Di Stefano would not join in with the complaints.
The referee was very good, said the clubs honorary president. We lost because they played better. If the solution was to moan about things then we can all moan. Referees dont go out to hurt anyone. Everyone makes mistakes.
Simon Baskett is a Reuters sports correspondent based in Madrid
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5 comments so far
It’s ridiculous to say Real’s dreadful performances this year are down to poor referees. It is always a sign of desperation when teams look to blame the ref.
The pro-Madrid press hits it on the head when they write that referees have “lost their respect for Real.” In other words, marginal decisions are not going their way now like they maybe used to.
Three or four years ago, when Real were a free-scoring attacking side they won their fair share of dubious decisions. On Saturday they scored and instead of looking to add a second paid the price as Racing put them under increasing pressure.
The team who gets the most marginal decisions in their favour these days are Barcelona — the side who play most of their games camped on the edge of the other team’s area.
- Posted by MarkDon’t know about Real, but I thought there were three rules that the UK refs get taught:
1. A referee may not award a decision against Manchester United or, through inaction, prevent Machester United from gaining an advantage.
2. A referee must obey orders given it by Sir A except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect himself, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
- Posted by fionaIf anybody gets the chance to see this play, go for it, it’s hysterical. And we’ve all wanted to abduct the referee at least once after a match. Haven’t we???
http://www.josef-weinberger.com/weinberg er/plays/play/godsofficial.html
- Posted by donnaFiona, I think Jose Mourinho read your comment http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaki ng-news/sport/soccer/article2475309.ece
- Posted by jonI heard an interview with Jose ranting about the referees, and I think you’re right - I reckon he’s a closet blogger.
- Posted by fiona