Gerard Pique believes talk of referees is wrong after Barcelona’s win over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo were incensed with referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco after two penalties were given to Barca and Ramos was sent off for bringing down Neymar.
Madrid were awarded a penalty of their own after Dani Alves felled Ronaldo, although replays suggested it was outside the area.
Pique told reporters after the final whistle that the focus on refereeing decisions post-match has to stop somewhere.
“It was a great match but it can’t be that once the game’s over we focus on the referee,” Pique said.
“If we look at every individual play we’ll never get out of here.
“The decisions are made in a split second and I don’t believe the referee influenced the result.
“The players were fired up and we don’t need to keep going over this. After the show we put on, it’s unfair to talk about the referee.”
Pique spoke more about Barca’s performance, adding that they were fully aware of the importance of the game.
“We knew it was important. Our ability to win La Liga rested on this match,” the centre-back went on.
“Winning here gives us confidence. The players have always said that you have to come to Santiago Bernabeu and win.
“I hope we can get back the people that left us for dead and convince them to have confidence in us again.
“You can’t doubt this team. We had possession of the ball, we created chances and we won because of our efforts.”
