Ancelotti’s Frustration with Refereeing Decisions
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been vocal about his concerns regarding refereeing decisions in La Liga, stating that his team has been the victim of clear errors. The Italian manager expressed his fury after his side dropped points in a recent match against Osasuna, where Jude Bellingham received a red card for a verbal altercation with the referee. Ancelotti argued that Bellingham’s dismissal was unwarranted, attributing it to the official’s poor understanding of English. “Obviously, yes, we hope that they will not sanction him,” Ancelotti noted, highlighting the club’s stance against the decision. The controversy did not end there, as Real Madrid also had several penalty appeals turned down, further fueling the manager’s dissatisfaction.
Ongoing Controversies and La Liga’s Fairness
Ancelotti’s frustration was not isolated to the Osasuna match. He made a pointed reference to Barcelona’s victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, though he chose not to delve into specifics. “Nothing to say, I have already given my opinion on what has happened and is happening. It’s quite surprising and I have nothing to add,” he remarked. The manager’s comments come in the context of Real Madrid’s recent struggles, where they have been "harmed" in three consecutive games, according to Ancelotti. “We are not happy with what happened against Osasuna, Atletico… three games in which we were harmed and I don’t understand it,” he added, indicating a broader pattern of perceived unfairness. While Ancelotti did not explicitly accuse La Liga of being orchestrated against Real Madrid, his comments suggest a deep-seated belief that the club is being treated unfairly.
Comparing European and Domestic Officiating
Ancelotti also drew a comparison between officiating in European competitions and La Liga, expressing a preference for the former. “Yes, because the statistics speak for themselves. In Europe there is less controversy and fewer interventions, it is done when necessary. In the Champions League the best referees from each country whistle and the quality is very high,” he stated. The manager feels that the higher standard of refereeing in European competitions, where top officials from various countries are involved, creates a more transparent and fair playing environment. This contrast with the domestic league has only heightened his concerns about the quality and consistency of refereeing in La Liga.
VAR: A Double-Edged Sword?
The introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology nine years ago has been a topic of much debate, and Ancelotti was asked to provide his thoughts on its impact on the game. The Italian manager expressed his doubts about the system, suggesting it has taken too much responsibility away from the referees. “It is a somewhat dangerous system. The VAR has come in to avoid flagrant and obvious errors, not for interventions in things that are part of football. Many times they look for an image, which seeks to remove all the naturalness of football,” Ancelotti commented. He cited several instances where VAR had been involved in contentious decisions, such as penalties awarded for minor infractions like a player standing on someone’s foot. “The referees can make mistakes, obviously, but the fact that the decision is made by the VAR is something I don’t understand,” he added, emphasizing his belief that football should retain its human element.
Fede Valverde’s Balanced Response
Fede Valverde, who spoke before Ancelotti at a press conference, was also asked about refereeing decisions. The Real Madrid player took a more measured and diplomatic approach, refusing to cast judgment on the officials. “I am not the one to judge the referee. We are all human and we can make mistakes. Referees are also criticised a lot and when they do things well they are not praised either,” Valverde said. As a captain, Valverde focused on the team’s performance and dedication. “The only thing I can do is be available to the team and make, as captain, the team think about us, about working to give the best to this club and for the team to win titles at the end of the year,” he stated, redirecting attention to the team’s goals and the importance of maintaining a positive and focused mindset.
The Broader Implications
While Ancelotti’s comments raise questions about the fairness and quality of refereeing in La Liga, they also reflect the intense pressure and scrutiny that high-level football managers face. The Italian manager’s concerns are not unique; many coaches and players have expressed similar sentiments about the role of VAR and the consistency of officiating. Real Madrid’s letter to the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) calling the league "adulterated, manipulated, and corrupt" adds a layer of institutional tension to the issue. Whether these claims hold water or are simply part of the emotional and competitive nature of football remains to be seen. However, they underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the world of professional sports, where the stakes are incredibly high and every decision can have significant consequences.
