Former Liverpool forward launches scathing attack on Real Madrid – ‘It was a smokescreen’ | OneFootball

There has been much controversy heading into the Copa Del Rey final tonight between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

A day before the game, Real Madrid issued an official statement against made by referees Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes.

De Burgos referred to videos from RMTV, which had highlighted errors in his refereeing. He talked about the impact of these videos on his personal life.

Real Madrid, though, considered these statements unacceptable, with many reports even claiming that Los Blancos will not take part in the final unless the referees are changed.

While Real Madrid have now clarified that they will take part in the final, their actions have drawn criticism from across the footballing fraternity.

Djibril Cisse criticises Real Madrid

One of the former footballers who has criticised Real Madrid’s actions is Djibril Cisse.

Speaking to L’Equipe (h/t AS), the former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward labelled Real Madrid’s action as a way to escape a potential thrashing in the final.

Djibril Cisse was not too happy with Real Madrid’s actions (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

“What Real Madrid did was a smokescreen to anticipate a thrashing. Nothing like what Real Madrid did has ever been seen. The referee explained what his son was suffering. He’s a family man. He wasn’t disrespectful to Madrid,” he said.

It must be noted that Real Madrid have lost to Barcelona twice this season, conceding at least four goals on both occasions.

This has led many to believe Barcelona may easily secure the Copa del Rey tonight, even though Real Madrid have a track record of stepping up when it is needed.

Even personalities like Victor Valdes have warned Barcelona of Real Madrid’s pedigree heading into the final.

Nevertheless, Cisse continued his attack on Real Madrid, notably implying that the club will put the blame of the referee if they lose.

“They’re afraid of a little hand. If they lose, it will be the referee’s fault, not because they didn’t prepare well for the match. They can do whatever they want, but in the end, they’re going to play,” he added.