Barcelona star defender set to face punishment after criticizing El Clasico referee for defeat

Barcelona star defender set to face punishment after criticizing El Clasico referee for defeat

Gerard Pique had to be restrained after he confronted El Clasico referee Jesus Gil Manzano after the full-time whistle following Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid.

The defender was an unused substitute in the game after recovering from a long-term knee injury but stormed onto the pitch after the game to vent his anger at the officials.

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Barca were furious that more time had not added on after the game was stopped to fix the referee’s equipment. They were also adamant they should have been awarded a penalty for Ferland Mendy’s challenge on Martin Braithwaite.

Pique was held back by club delegate Carlos Naval as he confronted the official.

The defender then argued with Naval and was heard saying: ‘Let me speak, let me speak.’

He then told the official: ‘You gave us little extra time, and you’ve been off the field for a long time,’ referring to the stoppage in the second half.

The 34-year-old had also clashed with Luka Modric before confronting the referee.

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According to Marca, the Real midfielder appeared to suggest the defender was ‘complaining like always’ before going down the tunnel.

Barca boss Ronald Koeman also approached the referee to complain at full-time while the players had surrounded the official to protest his decision not to award them a penalty.

First half goals from Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema had put Real 2-0 ahead at half-time before Oscar Mingueza pulled one back in the 60th minute.

Mendy then brushed Braithwaite in the area but neither the referee nor VAR deemed it enough to give Barca the spot-kick they wanted.

Casemiro was also sent off for Real after two quick yellow cards late on.

Source: All Football