‘Messi put pressure on referees’
Andres Iniesta Lionel Messi Sergio Ramos
away
Clasicos Zinedine Zidane has been unbeaten in a row. Under him, Real won two and drew other. He equalled Miguel Munoz’s, who won four matches between 1962-65, record as Real Madrid’s manager with the longest unbeaten run against Barcelona away from home in all competitions.
1st
ARTHUR JOHNSON
in 1902 BARCELONA WON
to lose to Madrid, or any other team. I think we are the only unbeaten team in Europe in the big leagues and that is something that pushes us.”
ERNESTO VALVERDE,
Barcelona manager BARCELONA:REAL Madrid captain Sergio Ramos said Barcelona forward Lionel Messi put pressure on the referee at halftime in Sunday’s thrilling ‘Clasico’ at the Nou Camp.
“Messi put him under a bit of pressure in the tunnel, I don’t know if there are cameras, maybe he caused him to referee in the second half in a different way,” Ramos told reporters.
“He said everything to him. This is football and everything should stay on the pitch.”
Ramos also said he thought Suarez had been exaggerating his pain when the Uruguayan striker went down after a challenge in the first half. Real did not put the ball out of play at the time, angering Barca players.
“When an opponent is down on the floor and you think it’s serious you normally kick the ball out of play. But I know him a little and I know what he’s like,” Ramos added.
“We always respect Barcelona but in that play I thought kicking the ball out was not necessary.”
Suarez also had a goal ruled out for offside, while Madrid were denied a late penalty when Marcelo was tripped in the area by Jordi Alba.
“We watched an incredible game of football and I can’t say if the draw is fair or not,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane, who would not be drawn on the referee’s performance.