Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has tried to lower the tone of complaints since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has turned up the temperature over the last few days following a controversial red card for Dean Huijsen. The Basque manager was in favour of the club alleging either gross negligence or an agenda against them to FIFA.
Alonso said after the match against Real Sociedad that he was unconvinced by the version of the referee regarding Huijsen’s dismissal. He was caught on camera telling the referee that ‘you’re making me think ill of you’.
“After the match, all the tension and what happened… we talked. And in the press conference, with you, I’ve said enough. I had to say what I thought, and that’s it, we’ll leave it at that. Now it’s time to turn the page and look ahead to the Champions League, which is the next step, something very important,” he told Diario AS on Monday ahead of their Champions League clash with Olympique Marseille.
Alonso attempts to tone down referee talk
The Basque manager was asked on several occasions about his concerns about the officiating.
“I said it after the press conference, and I don’t want to continue now… dodging the issue… everything to do with referees becomes the only talking point. Let’s think about tomorrow. What happened at Anoeta is clear and sufficiently discussed. Let’s think about what’s coming next.”
Predecessor Carlo Ancelotti had noted that he was more comfortable with European referees, but Alonso did not differentiate.
“I feel equally calm about both of them. I have no concerns before the match… neither for tomorrow, nor for next Saturday’s match in the league.”
In favour of Real Madrid’s referee dossier
It emerged after their clash at Anoeta that Real Madrid were compiling a dossier of perceived refereeing injustices to send to FIFA. In this case, Alonso was in favour of digging up refereeing controversy.
“It’s not a one-time thing. Being able to defend our interests is legitimate, and as long as the club values it that way, I’m fine with it.”
This is the latest measure in Real Madrid’s long-running campaign against officials in Spain, writing an open letter to the RFEF in February demanding a full-scale restructuring of the officiating body. It is not yet clear what action FIFA could or would take on the advice of one club.
