WELCOME TO KTNBIO

Former Barcelona star accused Real Madrid of manipulation.

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique fired at Real Madrid for the statement they released, claiming refereeing improprieties against them. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports

Real Madrid’s complaint 

Real Madrid’s grip on the top spot was loosened last weekend as they suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat at the hands of Espanyol. The Catalan outfit’s victory narrowed Los Blancos’ lead to a single point courtesy of a contentious winning goal from Carlos Romero.

The 23-year-old Spanish defender was at the centre of controversy after avoiding a red card for a reckless high-footed challenge on Kylian Mbappe, which was deemed worthy of only a yellow card by the referee. Real Madrid were incensed by the decision, and their frustration was compounded when Romero went on to score the decisive goal.

In response to the perceived injustice, an irate Real Madrid released a statement announcing that they had lodged a formal complaint with the RFEF, demanding access to the audio recordings of the VAR review that led to the disputed decision.

In his last press conference, Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti defended the statement, saying they needed explanations from the federation. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports

What Pique said 

Speaking in a promotion event for LALIGA, the former Manchester United defender said the statement was a play at pressuring the officials and deflecting attention away from their on-pitch struggles. 

“The statement is a complete smokescreen,” he said. “c When they lose you have to talk about something else.

“It’s what they want. Referees are like that and that’s how they will be forever. They are going to be wrong.

“From Madrid, it has always been done and media pressure and turning on the machines when things are not going well—we are used to it. From there, the referees are going to have pressure.”