Xavi on Real Madrid TV ref videos: "I don't like trying to condition referees"

Xavi Hernández has once again condemned the pressure exerted on referees by some clubs, including Real Madrid through their official television channel.

In the week of the clásico, although in the press conference prior to the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, the FC Barcelona coach has made it clear that he does not like "attempts to condition the refereeing establishment."

"My opinion has not changed. I don't like the refereeing establishment being conditioned. Referees do a very complicated job and I think we have to leave them alone," Xavi said.

"They make mistakes, sometimes in favour and sometimes against, but we have to respect them and help them. It's difficult because we are under stress, but we have to help them to be as honest as possible. I personally trust in their honesty. We have to leave them alone. No, I don't like people trying to condition them."

Xavi agreed with Ancelotti that "if we talk about the referees you get a sanction. We have to watch our vocabulary against the referees, this is a reality."

He added: "From there, I think there is too much talk and too much conditioning. We can talk about whether they make a mistake, whether it's a penalty or not, this is football. The more natural we are, the better. That's why I think referees should explain their decisions. We would naturalise them more, humanise them."