A former Real Madrid player Manolo Sanchis, against whom a complaint was filed by Barcelona to the Anti-Violence commission in Spain for justifying Isco’s brash tackle on Neymar during El Clasico, has come out to defend his position.
Sanchis and another former Real Madrid player, Poli Rincon, allegedly said Neymar deserved the 85th-minute tackle by Isco, who was given a straight red for it, while both men were acting as pundits on Spanish radio station ‘Cadena COPE’.
In an interview with Spanish sport paper, MARCA, Sanchis said:
“I’m going to try and explain my opinion. I’m not trying to persuade anyone of anything as I believe in differences of opinion, but I would like my opinion on the matter to be known”.
“In no way do I justify Isco’s kick and I’m pleased he’s apologised, which is a credit to him, not everyone would do that”.
“I’m going to start by saying what my footballing opinion is of Neymar. He’s very good, and is perhaps the most in-form player right now. Another thing is his behaviour on the field of play”.
“There were other players who played ‘El Clásico’ who had outstanding games, like Iniesta, and were given an ovation as they left the pitch. That speaks volumes about Real Madrid fans; it’s something that doesn’t happen everywhere. During the match I stated on a number of occasions that I wasn’t liking Neymar’s ‘attitude’. I can only say good things about the way he played”.
“I know what goes on down there, the tension, the pounding heart and how gestures can be interpreted, and that’s exactly why they ask me to comment, and I could see that something like what ended up happening would happen. Does that excuse what happened? No. But for those of us who’ve played, certain gestures could and I think should be avoided. That’s my opinion”.