Cazorla says Madrid-Barca spats could hurt Spain

AP, Sunday 21 Aug 2011

Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla says he’s worried that the growing friction between Real Madrid and Barcelona will have a negative impact on the national team

Cazorla
Santi Cazorla

Cazorla told Spanish newspaper La Nueva Espana on Sunday that the situation for the world champions has reached its “limit.”

Malaga’s new playmaker says that while the atmosphere on the team is still good, “if these problems continue they could eventually hurt the group.”

A bench-clearing brawl in Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Madrid in the Spanish Supercup on Wednesday was the latest flare-up between the two rivals that provide the bulk of Spain’s team.

Last season, five “clasicos” were mired by scuffles and accusations of diving and cheating.

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