Arbeloa on Camavinga's Red Card: "The Referee Ruined a Beautiful Match... Either He Never Played Football or I Don't Know"
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa strongly criticized the decision to send off player Camavinga following their defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Speaking to the media about the Camavinga red card incident, Arbeloa said, "No one understands sending off a player for an incident like that. At that moment, the contest was effectively over. It's an injustice, and we are deeply hurt. This is something you cannot control. I am very proud of my players and the fans. It pains me that we won't win our sixteenth title this year. We must prepare for the next match."
He added, "I believe I put out the best possible team to win. We had to come here for that, not to speculate, but to score. We had to rely on players capable of breaking Bayern Munich's intense pressure, and I would do the same thing again. I am very proud of my players and my great team. We created many chances, and it's unfortunate that we didn't manage to convert them into goals."
Describing the players' mood in the dressing room, Arbeloa said, "They are very hurt, especially given the manner of the defeat. I congratulate Bayern Munich on their great performance, but we would have preferred to be defeated in a different way. There was an incomprehensible sending off, which no one understands, and this led to a feeling of injustice and anger. All our hard work and effort were lost because of a decision like the one the referee made."
He further clarified whether the referee knew he was issuing a second yellow card to Camavinga, stating, "I think he issued the card precisely for that reason, because Bayern players reminded him it was the second yellow. But it wasn't even a yellow card to begin with. I don't know, either he hasn't played football, or I can't explain it. I think it's worse if he didn't know he had a previous card, because that would mean he made a double mistake. He ruined a beautiful match."
He concluded, "I don't believe anything positive can be taken from this now. As I've always said, I am responsible for the defeats, and I will take responsibility. The players gave their all. Since taking this position, I have always tried to help the club in every way I can. From now on, we have some matches left, and we must defend this badge with all our might, just as we did today."
