“We Just Have to Live With These Injustices” – Cristiano Ronaldo Echoed Claims of FC Barcelona Being ‘Protected’ by Referees Back in 2011

Back in the day, the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was legendary. Both players came from small towns in their respective countries and went on to conquer huge milestones in soccer.

In fact, their rivalry in La Liga was the main highlight of El Classico and the match was famous as “Messi vs. Ronaldo” rather than Barca vs. Madrid.

Either way, it has been a privilege for the whole soccer world to witness such a fabled rivalry. Both have helped their sides win laurels and written their names in the history books forever.

Of course, if it’s a clash between soccer’s greatest team in the world, then there’s going to be some pre-match showbiz. Moreover, both sides used to taunt each other flawlessly, including name-calling and pointing fingers as well.

Huge claim by Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2011

Back in 2011, an interesting statement that was made by CR7 after a bitter loss against his fierce rivals in the Champions League semi-final resurfaced. Los Blancos lost 3-1 against Pep Guardiola’s side, and Ronaldo, just like his coach Jose Mourinho, didn’t hold back to make a huge claim against Barcelona.

The No. 7 was infuriated by Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere’s decision to rule out Gonzalo Higuain’s goal early in the second half. ”It [trying to overhaul Barcelona’s first-leg lead] was Mission Impossible 4,” said the 26-year-old Ronaldo. ”We knew what was going to happen. We were used to it after the first leg. Higuain’s goal was fine. 

”Those who know about football know that Barcelona are very well protected. We just have to live with these injustices.” he added.

READ MORE: “We Don’t Dive, We Don’t Buy Referees” – Amid FC Barcelona’s Corruption Scandal, Gerard Pique’s Decade-Back Statement Resurfaces

De Bleeckere had reportedly said that Ronaldo had fouled Javier Mascherano in the lead-up to the goal. However, the decision was quite a harsh one, as it was Pique who initially pushed Ronaldo.

Corruption charges continue at Barcelona

The earlier remarks by Ronaldo in 2011 will surely gaslight Barcelona’s current situation, as the club has already facing charges of paying the referees. The club’s previous management between 2010-2020 is facing allegations of paying the vice president of the Spanish soccer referee committee.

Ex-Presidents, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, former club CEO Oscar Grau, and former club director of professional sports Albert Soler all face jail time. Moreover, the vice president of the referee committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, is also facing major charges.

Furthermore, this has left the club in shambles, as they may face a possible ban from the Champions League. However, the club is still adamant they are clean as the investigation continues at the Nou Camp.

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