"Even a fart makes it to Real Madrid TV."
The level of derision aimed at Real Madrid is increasing. This time, Pablo Maffeo (28), a full-back for RCD Mallorca and former teammate of Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain), spoke out. He referred to Real Madrid's official channel, claiming, "I have my own show," and directed blatant criticism at them.
'Bysoccer' in Spain reported on the 1st (Korean time) that "Maffeo appeared on the podcast 'D-Lokos' of Radio Marca Baleares, discussing again the 'Karma' with Real Madrid."
It continued, "He even said he 'cheered for the referee' in the Copa del Rey final, revealing his resentment towards Real."
Maffeo said, "I am not anti-Real. I don't care whether they win or lose. It's just that their players are rude, and my experiences with them were unpleasant." He added that he maintains a good relationship with some players like Brahim Diaz and Fran Garcia.
He candidly expressed his tendencies. "I really like to provoke. No matter what others say, my style won't change. Provoking or rattling opponents during matches is my specialty, and I enjoy it," he said. He continued, "Even a fart makes it to Real Madrid TV. It seems like I have my own show. I don't care. Frankly, I play with them as I please," mocking them.
Maffeo also talked about the Copa del Rey final.
Real Madrid expressed dissatisfaction with the referees even before the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona held on the 27th of last month.
At that time, they mobilized media friendly to the club's official channels to pressure the referees, conducting a public relations campaign. Real Madrid protested the referee assignment for the Copa del Rey final a day before the match, canceling press conferences and official training sessions, and some local media reported that "Real might boycott the final." It was, in a sense, a form of intimidation.
In response, Real issued an official statement on the 26th, emphasizing, "We did not refuse to participate in the final. However, the remarks made by the referees this time are clearly inappropriate and regrettable," citing the reason as the unsatisfactory assignment of referees.
When the final was mentioned, Maffeo said, "I cheered for the referees. I can imagine how tough it must have been for them," expressing sympathy towards chief referee De Burgos Bengoetxea. He noted, "When big teams apply such pressure, smaller teams want to voice their thoughts even more. As I have felt that pressure as a referee, I support them."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid continues to raise suspicions and apply pressure concerning the referees. Previously, Real Madrid TV released a video criticizing the chief referee of the upcoming match against Celta Vigo, Hil Manzano, and VAR official Hernandez Hernandez Maeso, maintaining an unprecedented level of pressure.
Now, more attention is on what kind of video Real Madrid TV will air than on Real's matches. Maffeo's mockery may symbolize not just a personal barb but a growing decline in Real Madrid's public image.
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