Gerard Pique has blasted Real Madrid for their decision to file a complaint about refereeing following their defeat to Espanyol.
Former Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique has fired shots at Real Madrid over their recent complaint regarding the refereeing in the La Liga clash against Espanyol.
Madrid sent a letter to the RFEF, expressing frustration over what they called a “scandalous refereeing and VAR performance.” They also complained about a “brutal tackle” on Kylian Mbappé and claimed that “decisions against Real Madrid have reached a level of manipulation and adulteration of the competition that can no longer be ignored.”
Pique slams Real Madrid
Pique is not impressed with the situation and hit out when speaking to reporters at a publicity event at La Liga HQ, he said:
“The statement is a complete smokescreen because they have been doing it for 120 years and when they lose they have to talk about something else, because that is what they want,” he said.
“The referees’ conversation will always exist and this is what they have always done in Madrid, turning on the ‘machinery’ when things are not going well and we are used to it.”
Pique also took a swipe at Madrid for their willingness to make Galactico signings, while Barca have often relied on talents from their famed La Masia academy. He added: “There are many [young talents in La Liga]. In the case of Barca, it is from La Masia, and with Madrid, it comes via the chequebook.”
Casillas supports Real Madrid amid refereeing controversy
Meanwhile, Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has defended his former club, backing their stance on the issue.
“I think the statement is good because the club have to defend their interests,”Casillas said.
“The refereeing body, after the VAR, now analyses each action very closely. It would need a former player with experience to say what he sees. We can say when it could be a voluntary action. The handball that Pique did, for example.”
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