Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos "did not
disrespect" the referee following El Clasico, according to Real Madrid
coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The players were openly critical of match official
Alberto Undiano Mallenco following the feisty La Liga fixture that saw Real
lose 4-3 to Barcelona after having Ramos dismissed for a challenge on Neymar.
Ronaldo alleged his side "played against 12",
while Ramos claimed the result was "pre-meditated".
However, Ancelotti has defended his players' for their
comments on Undiano Mallenco, who awarded three penalties on Sunday.
"Cristiano and Ramos did not disrespect
anyone," he stressed. "They only expressed an opinion that I
understand as well.
"We were unlucky, especially with Ramos' red card.
It wasn't fair.
"I don't mind if Undiano Mallenco referees a Real
Madrid game again. It's not me who decides.
"Referees make mistakes. That's all."
Ancelotti refused to comment on who he felt should - or
should not - officiate the Copa del Rey final between the sides next month,
adding: "It's not my responsibility to discuss who should referee the Copa
del Rey final. They have a committee for that."
Real are now second in the Spanish top flight by virtue
of their head-to-head record with city rivals Atletico, but Ancelotti is
confident his side can return to form.
"We trained well," he continued. "The
atmosphere is good ahead of tomorrow's important match with Sevilla.
"Tomorrow's match is important because we have to
react well after a defeat.
"We've seen many surprises so we know that all the
remaining matches are very dangerous.
"The mistakes we made in the Clasico weren't big,
they were small details that cost us the game.
"Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world
and we will prove that until the end of the season.
"Sevilla are dangerous because they are going
through a good moment. It will be a difficult and complicated match."
Culled from Soccerway
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