This is not Real Madrid’s year.
Sergio Ramos has launched a scathing attack on the refereeing in Real Madrid’s 0-2 home defeat to Real Sociedad last night, labelling it ‘scandalous’ after Vinicius Jr was denied a penalty and Lucas Vazquez was sent off.
Real Madrid fell further behind Barcelona in the title race slipping down into fifth, behind Deportivo Alavés. The European Champions are now ten points behind their arch-rivals, and newly appointed manager Santi Solari is already coming under pressure.
Last night’s game could have panned out very differently though, had Vinicius Jr been awarded a penalty after he appeared to be tripped by the Sociedad goalkeeper.
| #LaLiga |
Real Madrid were not awarded a penalty for this…
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/toLkmTuSgL
— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) January 6, 2019
In his post-match interview, Ramos did not hold back as he criticised referee Jose Munuera and the lack of VAR used in the game.
The Madrid captain said: “The referee played a big role in things. I’ve always defended the VAR system, but it has to be improved because what we’ve seen was scandalous.
“He could have awarded the penalty and then consulted the VAR. After seeing the penalty incidents in the dressing room, all we ask for is fairness. There are times when we’re punished for our behaviour on the pitch and the referees’ committee should do the same with the officials. The VAR is in place but you’ve got to know how to use it and consult it.
“We’re motivated and fighting for a La Liga title that’ll be tough and it’s made all the more difficult when things like this happen. When you’re out there on the pitch it’s so much more difficult because your heart is racing. As the team captain, I always try and help the referees, but tonight’s performance was scandalous.
“Lucas Vazquez’s sending-off was very harsh. Never before have I seen a player shown a second yellow for something like that, where you’re in the middle of the pitch with three Real Madrid players around you.”
