Real return Barca complaint

Real Madrid are referring Barcelona to UEFA for ‘unsportsmanlike behaviour’ in Wednesday’s incident-filled Champions League semi-final clash.

In the wake of Barcelona’s 2-0 first-leg victory, UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against both clubs for their conduct in the fiery encounter.

Barcelona had already referred comments from Real boss Jose Mourinho to UEFA, with the Portuguese coming under fire for accusing referees of favouring the La Liga champions.

Real Madrid have now returned the favour, ensuring there will be plenty of spice to Tuesday’s second leg at Camp Nou.

The Madrid club have also released a video and the statement on their website in order to demonstrate that Pepe did not touch Barcelona wingback Dani Alves in the decision that led to the defender-turned-midfielder’s crucial sending off.

“Upon learning of the unprecedented decision made by FC Barcelona to lodge a formal complaint against Real Madrid CF coach Jose Mourinho with the UEFA control and disciplinary body, Real Madrid CF announces that it is obligated to do the same concerning the repeated unsportsmanlike behavior of FC Barcelona, whose players consistently feigned aggressions with the sole purpose of misleading the referee of the match, which clearly led to the unfair decision to dismiss our player Pepe,” a statement on the club’s official site read.

“It is surprising that this chain of unsportsmanlike conduct and unfortunate decisions finally culminates in the filing of a complaint against our head coach Jose Mourinho who, beyond opinions based on his right to freedom of speech, expressed his objection to victory at any price and the violation of the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.”

“Real Madrid CF expresses its full support of its coach.”

The video also shows a string of other incidents – featuring Pedro, Sergi Busquets, David Villa and Dani Alves – that allegedly support Real’s claims the Catalan had employed unsporting behaviour.