Zidane: Real top because of performances�� not referees

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane launched a passionate defence of his team on Tuesday amid accusations the La Liga leaders have benefited from favourable refereeing decisions this season following their 3- 2 win at Villarreal on Sunday.

Real were awarded a fiercely contested penalty while trailing 2-1 at Villarreal for a handball by Bruno S or i ano which the midfielder insisted was accidental, prompting a furious response from club president Fernando Roig towards the referee.

Spanish sports daily Marca said the referees’ committee had denounced Roig’s comments to the Spanish soccer federation, which could see him fined up to 1,500 euros.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique meanwhi le wrote on Twitter that Real had earned eight extra points this campaign due to dubious refereeing decisions.

Zidane said his side were leaders because of their displays on the pitch and not favour able treatment from officials.

“Everyone can say what they want but it is not true, we’ve got everything we have achieved from what we have done on the pitch,” Zidane told a news conference on Tuesday on the eve of Real’s game with Las Palmas.

“I’ m proud of my players because they always respect referees, Real Madrid has always been professional and respectful. If we have to talk, we do it on the pitch.”

Real’s record signing Gareth Bale has recovered from an ankle knock which forced him off towards the end of the win at Villarreal and set alarm bells ringing after he had recently returned from almost three months out fol lowing ankle surgery.