Xavi responds to Real Madrid manager – ‘I don’t appreciate their influence on referees, but Ancelotti is correct’

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has expressed his frustration that Real Madrid media continue to speak about referees.

After Barcelona President Joan Laporta bemoaned a ‘sociological Madridismo’ that influenced the media, refereeing, and in all sectors of society, Xavi backed up his president, claiming that ‘it is a reality’, noting that when Barcelona were most successful they were accused of doping.

After Real Madrid were denied a penalty and had two goals disallowed on Saturday against Sevilla, Carlo Ancelotti was clearly frustrated, saying that if he really explained his feelings on referees, then he would receive a long ban. Meanwhile the players on the pitch were irate, and Real Madrid TV released another hit video about referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, although he has admitted to Vinicius Junior that he made a mistake during the match.

It dominated the Madrid-based media in recent days, and during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti declared that he did not have ‘freedom of expression’ to talk about the referees, and noted that it was a ‘special moment’ in Spanish refereeing. Xavi was asked about Real Madrid TV’s videos.

“I have not changed my mind from Sunday to today. I do not like that the refereeing team are influenced. It is a difficult job. They make mistakes, sometimes for you and sometimes against you. But we have to help them. Although sometimes we are emotional because we are tense. I believe a lot in their honesty, we have to leave them to do their work. I don’t like them being influenced.”

He was asked if Spanish football was entering into a ‘perverse game’, where every decision is linked to the Negreira case – Barcelona are under investigation for bribery and sporting corruption, but have not been found guilty of anything.

“Ancelotti is right in that regard, if you speak about the referees, you get a ban. He’s right there. But they are talked about to much, and they are influenced. From there, it’s true that I would like to be able to speak calmly about whether this was right or wrong, if they made a mistake, that’s football.”

“I think in general, we should be able to admit mistakes. But it’s true that if we speak about referees a lot, it’s not good. Within the Barcelona dressing room, we’re not worried about it. We always believe that they will do the best they can.”

Xavi was also asked whether he thought complaining served a purpose.

“No, it doesn’t help anything, but often it comes out naturally. Often you feel you have been harmed, you should have had a goal or a penalty, you’re emotional, and it comes out naturally, we’re all humans.”

Again, it was put to Xavi where he thought that Real Madrid might be trying to influence the referees for the Clasico following their complaints.

“I think Madrid felt they were hard-done against Sevilla, and they complained about it. Nothing more. It’s natural. And Ancelotti is right, if you speak, they ban you for two games.”

“This is a game of football nothing more, you don’t have to generate tension.”

No doubt with El Clasico on the horizon, the tension is unlikely to lower in the coming days. Whomever the referee is on Saturday, both Real Madrid and Barcelona fans will be paying close attention to the officials, with so much attention on them in recent days.

Xavi may want to speak naturally about what decisions are right and wrong, but many will point out that the simple act of doing so is a manner of pressuring referees.