REFEREES STRIKE BACK: AESAF REJECTS FLORENTINO PEREZ'S CORRUPTION ACCUSATIONS HEAD-ON
The Spanish Association of Football Referees (AESAF) issued a lengthy rebuttal to Florentino Perez, stating his comments on the Negreira case and referee integrity are baseless and harmful.
Real Madrid has been pretty open about their unhappiness with how La Liga games have been officiated as of late. The players, manager, and even the club's media channels have all been talking about it.
Just recently, club president Florentino Perez jumped into the discussion. He criticized the refereeing and suggested that the Negreira scandal might still be having an impact on the club.
Understandably, these comments didn't sit well with the referees and their association in Spain. The Spanish Association of Football Referees (AESAF) has officially released a lengthy statement to push back against Perez.
Here's what the statement said:
The Spanish Association of Football Referees (AESAF) wants to say that we disagree with the recent public comments made by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez. This kind of talk does a lot of damage to the reputation of referees and Spanish football. This was aimed directly at the Real Madrid president.
The statement went on to say that referees do their jobs with complete transparency and professionalism and that Perez's accusations have no basis.
In the Negreira Case, no referee has been investigated or charged at all during the judicial process. "We can't accept the accusation of corruption against referees as valid," it continued.
The refereeing body also clarified that referees can't be blamed for what happens on the field and showed their support for all referees, especially those singled out by Real Madrid.
We believe that refereeing shouldn't be a scapegoat for game results. Games are won and lost on the field.
AESAF supports our colleague Pablo González Fuertes and all referees in Spain, whose work deserves respect both professionally and personally.
They also directly addressed Los Blancos about accusations made during last season’s Copa del Rey.
We want to state that the accusation of threats made at the press conference of the Final of the Copa del Rey for the 2024–25 season is not true, to say the least.
[They] were meant to point out that violence against referees and their families at all levels of Spanish football had reached unacceptable levels.
The statement then noted that any accusations against referees can lead to violence against them on the field and hurt their image. They added that they're doing everything they can to be transparent.
Specifically talking about Real Madrid, the AESAF mentioned the harm they're causing to referees.
It's a serious issue that this club keeps making statements that aren't based on reality, which could create an unsporting environment in Spanish competition.
They repeated that no referee has been found guilty in the Negreira case.
As of today, there is no charge or investigation of referees during the entire instruction period. So it's important to stick to the principle of innocent until proven guilty to avoid statements that could mislead the public.
They thanked the clubs, organizations, and players who have supported them during this time and asked that prominent figures take more responsibility for what they say.
Near the end, the AESAF said that they're working with clubs and the RFEF to keep improving refereeing standards.
AESAF mentions that it has been part of the Refereeing Reform Commission for months. This is a continuous discussion promoted by the RFEF, where club representatives can share ideas and concerns and work together in a helpful way.
Real Madrid was not at the most recent meeting.
Using technology like VAR and review protocols helps to reinforce openness and reduce the chance of human error that is part of any sport.
ALVARO ARBELOA EXPLAIN WHY HUMILITY IS KEY TO OVERCOMING GUARDIOLA’S MAN CITY
Alvaro Arbeloa demands humility at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola cancels training before the Champions League decider.
Tomorrow night, Real Madrid and Manchester City will face off for the third time this season in the UEFA Champions League, this time at the Etihad Stadium.
Their first meeting, during the group stage, ended with Manchester City securing a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Real Madrid got their revenge last week in the Round of 16 first leg, winning 3-0.
Now, led by Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid aims to protect that lead and secure its place in the quarterfinals.
Talking about the team’s mindset as they prepare for the match, Arbeloa said the goal remains unchanged from the first leg. They want to win, maintaining the same humility and determination, aware that it won't be an easy task. He emphasised that humility and ambition will be key.
He also spoke about the mental angle: Real Madrid knows the challenge they face and the quality of their opponent. To come out on top, they must focus solely on delivering a high-level performance, showing solidarity, effort, and sacrifice, essentially creating significant problems for Manchester City.
Reflecting on the first leg win without Kylian Mbappe, Arbeloa pointed out how impressive it is for a team to compete well without their top scorer, underlining the overall strength of the squad.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, Mbappe will be available tomorrow. Jude Bellingham has been named in the squad as well, although Arbeloa clarified he won’t play. Still, it’s positive to see Bellingham close to returning; the manager believes he’ll be a leader for the team moving forward.
When asked about the possibility of keeping the current 4-4-2 formation after Mbappe’s return, Arbeloa noted that Mbappe brings unique qualities distinct from players like Brahim. He highlighted Mbappe’s intelligence and ability to exploit spaces, expressing eagerness to have him on the pitch.
Since Arbeloa took charge two months ago, there’s been a notable shift toward trusting youth players from the academy and reserves. He made it clear that no player is untouchable; everyone, including Valverde, Vinicius, and Tchouameni, had to earn their spot on merit. The academy youngsters have stepped up impressively, performing at a high level and contributing significantly.
As injured players return, Arbeloa expects to have more options, aiming to consistently field the strongest eleven suited to each match.
Regarding whether matches like this one influence his future at the club, Arbeloa dismissed the idea. His focus is fully on the team and the fans' excitement. He plans to stay as long as needed and enjoy every moment.
Leading up to the game, Pep Guardiola surprised some by giving Manchester City a day off and cancelling training. Arbeloa wasn’t fazed, pointing out that Guardiola is a seasoned manager with nearly a thousand games under his belt. City’s squad know each other so well, they can practically play without thinking.
On Federico Valverde’s role, Arbeloa praised his versatility and current form. Valverde can play anywhere and is thriving, finding the back of the net and enjoying freedom on the field. With Bellingham's and Mbappe’s eventual return, the team wants to keep this strong version of Valverde going.
Lastly, Arbeloa touched on Arda Guler’s performance in the first leg, especially how he was tasked with marking Erling Haaland during set pieces. He admired Guler’s goal against Elche and acknowledged the importance of crowding Haaland defensively. Arbeloa felt Guler did well and is hopeful they can replicate that effort tomorrow.
REAL MADRID: DISCOVER ARDA GULER’S SENSATIONAL 50-YARD LOB THAT SHOOK THE ENTIRE SANTIAGO BERNABEU
Real Madrid move within one point of Barcelona as Arda Guler scores a legendary lob in a 4-1 victory over Elche.
Real Madrid narrowed the gap to just one point behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga ahead of the Catalans’ upcoming match against Sevilla on Sunday. Atletico Madrid held onto third place with a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe, despite being down to ten men after Abdel Abqar was sent off for an unfortunate incident involving Alexander Sorloth.
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde, fresh off a remarkable Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City earlier in the week, continued his fine form by curling a precise shot into the top corner just before halftime. This came after Antonio Rudiger had already put Madrid ahead with a powerful strike. Later, young defender Dean Huijsen added a header to complete the scoring for Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad, who will travel to Manchester City on Tuesday with hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.
But the standout moment of the evening belonged to Turkish midfielder Guler, who spotted Elche’s goalkeeper Matias Dituro off his line late in the game and lobbed the ball from near the centre circle with remarkable accuracy. “He had hit the bar from there in a previous match, but today he pulled it off. What a goal,” Madrid’s Brahim Díaz commented to the club’s TV channel. Arbeloa also praised the strike, noting that it was the kind of moment worth watching in person.
With a comfortable lead, Arbeloa was able to rest key players such as Vinicius Junior and Valverde, giving valuable minutes to younger talents like 18-year-old winger Daniel Yanez. Yanez delivered a precise cross that set up Huijsen’s header for Madrid’s third goal. Arbeloa reflected on bringing these players on at the Bernabeu, recalling that he had coached them since they were early teens and describing the moment as a dream come true.
Despite the scoreline, Elche remain in a difficult position, suffering their 11th consecutive league game without a win and facing the threat of dropping into the relegation zone. Madrid, energised after their Champions League success, gradually dismantled Elche’s early resistance. When Dituro saved Valverde’s free-kick but failed to clear the rebound, Rudiger pounced to score in the 39th minute. Valverde then added another just before the break, showcasing his ability to find space and precision shooting.
A late slip from Madrid substitute Manuel Angel resulted in an own goal as he attempted to intercept a cross, briefly narrowing the gap. Still, Guler’s stunning lob re-established Madrid’s lead from a long distance, sealing the match with a remarkable finish. Meanwhile, Madrid continues to manage absences, including Jude Bellingham’s injury, while hoping that Kylian Mbappé could return soon after a knee sprain. Arbeloa described the players’ commitment as exceptional but acknowledged there is still room to improve as the season progresses.
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