Karanka stands by racism claim

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has maintained his stance over racism allegations levelled at fierce rivals Barcelona.

Real posted a video which they say show Barcelona midfielder Busquets making a racist remark to defender Marcelo in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie between the two clubs on April 27, with the footage now the subject of a UEFA investigation.

After the match, Karanka accused Barca’s players of using ‘racist insults covering their mouths’, though he stopped short of naming players.

Barca manager Pep Guardiola has denied Busquets is a racist, but Karanka said Real’s complaint was against the club, not any individual.

“My view is the same as that which was expressed in the statement issued by the club,” Karanka said.

“At no time have Real Madrid reported any individual player. In defence of the allegations coming from Barcelona, we sent out a video that shows unsporting conduct from players.”

“At no time have we focused on any player in particular. It is UEFA who will hear the case.”

Karanka also sang the praises of Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs just one goal in the club’s final two league matches – against Villarreal and Almeria – to notch 50 goals for the club in all competitions this season.

“Cristiano (Ronaldo) can play wherever he wants or where the team needs him,” he said.

“I personally see him as a player who likes to start on the wing, on the left in particular. He makes nice diagonal runs towards goal. When he plays in attack, like in the cup against Valencia, he scored. He is dangerous on the wing and can play in any position in attack.”