Real Madrid concerned about choice of referee ahead of the next Clásico

FC Barcelona were handed a major boost in their quest to retain the title after Real Madrid dropped two points against Valencia at the Mestalla last night.

The Catalan giants trail by a significant margin, but their hopes are bound to be rejuvenated with three months remaining before the La Liga campaign draws to a close.

However, fortune may have slightly aided Barcelona’s aspirations of entering a late title race, as the Merengues were inches away from sealing all three points.

Indeed, in the dying embers of the clash, Jude Bellingham scored what appeared to be a 98th-minute winner. However, referee Gil Manzano sounded the whistle just before the ball entered the goal, deeming the goal invalid.

After furiously letting his thoughts known to the referee, the midfielder received a straight red card for dissent and could be out for at least two matches.

With the events of last night unfolding the way they did, Real Madrid’s concerns have heightened, as they believe to have received unjust treatment by the competition.

Concerns for the Clasico

Now, Diario AS (h/t FCB World) have come out to report that Real Madrid are worried about the referee that will be chosen for the April 21 Clásico.

If Barça continue to perform consistently, a win in the Clasico would go a long way in making the title race a lot more interesting. As such, Real Madrid’s nerves are frayed by the uncertainty surrounding the choice of referee for this pivotal encounter.

Believing to be unfairly besieged, Real Madrid are very angry with the level of refereeing and believes that there are moves to “reset the course of the league” and return Barcelona to the competition.

Additionally, the Royal Whites think that Xavi and Laporta’s remarks from a month ago marked a turning point since they were hurt by arbitration and Barcelona gained multiple advantages—perhaps the most significant of which was the match against Celta Vigo.

With Barcelona suffering their own share of injustices with the refereeing this season, that sentiment may not hold the most weight.

However, the upcoming clash between the two Spanish heavyweights promises to be an enthralling one.