Former Real Madrid defender speaks out on Negreira scandal – ‘Difficult to explain’ | OneFootball

A lot has been said about the refereeing in La Liga in recent years, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid getting chances to point the finger at the other.

Real Madrid found their chance when Barcelona found themselves stuck in the Negreira scandal, for word had it that the Catalans were making payments to earn favourable decisions on the field.

The Blaugrana, meanwhile, found their opportunity when Real Madrid began openly pressurising the referees through Real Madrid TV, a manoeuvre that saw officials placed in the spotlight during games.

Vazquez on refereeing, Negreira case

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, former Real Madrid defender and club icon Lucas Vazquez touched upon Barcelona, the Negreira scandal, and the issue of Real Madrid TV pressurising referees.

The veteran full-back, who joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer after leaving Madrid, began by speaking about how arbitration in Germany differed from that in Spain, saying,

“The refereeing in Germany is different. In Spain, the yellow ones can stand you a little longer.”

He went on to add how the refereeing in Spain has been relatively dubious for a while now, especially in relation to the Negreira scandal accusations against Barça.

Lucas Vazquez joined Leverkusen in the summer. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

“There have been things that are difficult to believe, and the arbitration issue is very difficult, but what has happened is worth debating,” said the Real Madrid icon.

“The whole thing about the ‘Negreira case’ is difficult to explain, it’s incredible. We were very aware of everything, we talked about it in the locker room,” he added.

Concurrently, the player also admitted that Real Madrid TV’s constant singling out of officials put pressure on them during games.

“Real Madrid TV videos can affect the referees because they are people, they have families.”

Finally, the ex-Real Madrid player spoke about the title race between Barcelona and Real Madrid this season and how he saw it progressing.

“Barça have a great team, it’s great to watch them play. It’s going to be a very difficult league, and I hope Real Madrid win it.”

Source: COPE