Xavi: Clasico mud-slinging is sad
Reuters - Monday 02 May 2011, 17:25
BARCELONA - The controversy and mud-slinging
that marred last week's Champions League semi-final first leg
between Barcelona and Real Madrid were negative for football, according to Barca midfielder Xavi.
UEFA investigated both clubs after the ill-tempered game at
the Bernabeu, which Barca won 2-0, and the arch rivals each
filed complaints about the other with European football's
governing body which were rejected on Monday.
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"From my point of view everything that has been happening is
sad," Xavi told a news conference ahead of Tuesday's second leg
at the Nou Camp.
"It would be nice to talk about football instead and not
these ridiculous issues," the Spanish World Cup winner added.
"We will try not to let any of this tension affect us, which
is negative for football and sport in general. It's impossible
but we will try."
Barca were furious with Real coach Jose Mourinho, an
assistant at the Catalan club in the late 1990s, for comments
they felt belittled the achievements of his counterpart Pep
Guardiola.
PEPE BANNED
Real also accused some of the Barca players of diving and
play-acting.
Portuguese Mourinho was sent from the bench in the second
half for protesting against the dismissal of compatriot Pepe, who is suspended for Tuesday's game and will watch from the stands with his manager.
Barca and Real provided the majority of the players who won
the World Cup in South Africa last year but there were ugly
scenes when the two teams met in last month's La Liga game, the
King's Cup final and the Champions League first leg match.
Xavi said the incidents would not affect the atmosphere the
next time the European and world champions met up for
international duty.
"There won't be any problems with the national team.
Everyone is very professional," he said. "We won Euro 2008 and
the World Cup together and, what's more, in a fantastic
atmosphere.
"It's logical there is tension as we have played many games
in a short space of time which has never happened before."
English Premier League leaders Manchester United will defend
a 2-0 lead over Schalke 04 when they host the Bundesliga side in
Wednesday's other semi.
The final will take place at London's Wembley Stadium on May 28.