Real slam UEFA over dismissing Barca complaint

AFP, Monday 2 May 2011

Real's assistant coach Aitor Karanka believes UEFA's decision to not take action against Barcelona over their behaviour in the Champions League semi-final first leg clash will overshadow the decider at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.

Real Madrid
Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka

Barcelona came away from the Bernabeu with a 2-0 advantage from a bad tempered game which will be remembered for fouls and play acting.

There was a war of words before the match between Real coach Jose Mourinho and his opposite number Pep Guardiola, and in the game the situation only deteriorated.

Barca's substitute keeper Jose Pinto was red carded in a clash at half time and in the second half Pepe was dismissed for a kick at Dani Alves who made the most of the challenge by writhing on the ground.

Mourinho was sent to the stands for criticising the decision and will not now be allowed on the bench at the Nou Camp hence why Karanka fielded the press on the traditional eve of match press conference.

UEFA are considering taking action over Mourinho's post match comments but they have thrown out a complaint from Real over the way Barca players acted.

"UEFA's decision means that the game now comes second," said Karanka.

"UEFA talks about fair play and tomorrow (Tuesday) there will players on the pitch that lack this and have made racist comments.

"Meanwhile we will be without Pepe and (Sergio) Ramos.

"Everyone saw what happened at the Bernabeu and yet no decision has been taken, so this means that the game now comes second."

Real wanted up to six Barca players to be punished including Sergio Busquets who was shown on Spanish television to make racist comments towards full back Marcelo.

"We now have to concentrate on the game as we are Real Madrid and we will keep fighting to the end. We have 109 years of history and won nine European Cups," added Karanka.

Real are set to play a more attacking style which includes Mesut Ozil, Ronaldo and Di Maria while Karim Benzema is also fighting for a place along with Emmanuel Adebayor.

"This is a very important game and we know it will be difficult but we will fight to win knowing that there is a final at the end," said Benzema.

"I feel happy in the team. We need to first be solid at the back and then attack and look to turn the tie around."

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