'Barçagate': The reasons behind Real Madrid's mysterious silence
Real Madrid has opted to be prudent and discrete when confronted by the 'Barçagate' scandal. The referring scandal is hampering Barcelona Football Club's image, alongside the Spanish committee of referees who can't seem to react fast enough to the ever-growing accusations.
Meanwhile, at Can Barça, the Catalan club has counter-attacked against such scandalous accusations. The club president, Joan Laporta has been challenging the media and labeled the ongoing investigation as a directed attack on the club. Their arch-rivals, Real Madrid have opted for prudence, silence, and patience, as they wait for a final verdict.
In response to the accusations, 40 out of the 42 clubs that make up the Spanish league have launched a statement, demanding responsibilities and transparency. The collective statement done by La Liga only lacked the signature of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In the case of Barcelona, as an implicated party, it is obvious that they would not comment nor participate in the league statement. As for Real Madrid, the club does not wish to position itself in either spectrum and would rather stay neutral until further clarification.
Antonio García Ferreras, a trusted journalist linked to Real Madrid, understands the club well and has been given the task of detailing the reasons behind the 'Los Blancos' silence in the La Liga statement.
"Real Madrid has been denouncing this for 20 years. Statements, institutional declarations, and have openly criticized it. We have been waiting for 20 years but no one followed us in this complaint," shared Antonio García Ferreras, as one of the reasons behind the silence.
"How is Real Madrid going to sign alongside La Liga a document that states that the "Delegate Commission firmly supports the actions of La Liga, taking into account the work presented all these years to preserve the identity of the competition'. It's a joke, right?" continued Antonio García Ferreras.
Furthermore, there is an unsolved tension between Real Madrid and Javier Tebas, president of La Liga. Both parties have been throwing jabs publically at each other ever since the creation of the Super League.
Another reason behind Real Madrid's silence is the fact the club fears Barcelona victimizes itself and others that stand to defend it. Real Madrid would never position themselves alongside a club guilty of corruption.
Thus, Real Madrid broke its silence while measuring its words precisely to ensure order. A smart approach to the scandal, as in moments like this, as anything public statements while the investigation is ongoing, could come back to haunt them.
In addition, Real Madrid's historic victory at Anfield, against Liverpool, 5-2, has regained communion with the fans who are once again devoted to the team, focused on sports, and excited for the season finale.
While 'Barçagate' lingers as the elephant in the room, Real Madrid has opted to focus on its football. 'Los Blancos' are still in the race for the league title and have shown dominant qualities throughout the Champions League, and domestic cups.
There is still a lot to be done and it seems Real Madrid has a clear tactic: play football and keep quiet off the pitch. After all, it's the results that matter most to the fans, not media noise.