‘Referees respect Madrid, Barca more’

Celta Vigo's Nolito has suggested players from Real Madrid and Barcelona are more respected by referees, and accused some officials of being condescending.

Nolito and Iago Aspas were interviewed by El Laguero and in an informal chat looked back on the weekend’s defeat to Real Madrid, most notably the starring performance of Keylor Navas.

“Despite everything, we played well and nearly got a draw. The goalkeeper stopped everything, that made the difference on the day. He made several great saves,” Nolito said, AS reports.

“A goalkeeper like that makes you despair! I saw my goal on television. Good job it went where it did. If it was lower, he would have saved that too…”

Both Aspas and Nolito moved to discuss the state of refereeing in the Primera, and claimed clubs such as Celta get unfair treatment.

“If you’re wearing another shirt, it’s easier for the referee,” Aspas said, before Nolito added his take.

“There are things that have existed and always will exist. If you are from Madrid or Barcelona, referees respect you more,” he alleged.

“They need to understand us. There are referees who provoke you and speak to you with arrogance.”

Tags Iago Aspas Nolito
La Liga - Club News