Roberto Carlos didn't stay silent. The legendary Brazilian full-back from Real Madrid, now the club's ambassador, decided to comment on a controversial play that marked the Catalan classic between Espanyol and Barcelona.
What he didn't expect was that his comment would spark a firestorm on social media. He posted it, laughed, and then deleted it, but it was already too late. The controversy was served.
A sending-off that changes the match
It was the 79th minute of the match. Espanyol was fighting hard to stop Barça, who had the league title within reach. Lamine Yamal, the young blaugrana gem, was shielding the ball when Leandro Cabrera hit him in the chest during a struggle.
The action seemed confusing, but referee César Soto Grado reviewed the VAR and didn't hesitate: a direct red card to Espanyol's center-back.
That sending-off sparked outrage in Cornellà. The Perico club posted a clear message on social media: "VAR to believe," expressing their dissatisfaction with the referee's decision. With one less player, Espanyol couldn't prevent Barça from taking the victory... and the title.
Roberto Carlos gets involved and stirs things up
Amid the noise, Roberto Carlos appeared. The former player shared a post from "Real Madrid Fans": "Does it seem like a sending-off to you? Last robbery of the Negreira League," with laughter.
The message made it clear what he thought: that the sending-off was exaggerated and favored Barça. By sharing it, Roberto showed a sarcastic stance, considered inappropriate for his position.
Correction without words
What followed was predictable, the post went viral. Screenshots everywhere, criticism from Barça fans. Reactions from journalists and shortly after, the message disappeared from his profile.
Roberto Carlos didn't give explanations, he simply deleted the post, but that wasn't enough to stop the controversy. Social media burned.
Many reminded him that, as Real Madrid's ambassador, he has a responsibility and shouldn't fuel conspiracy theories. Others, however, defended him and celebrated that he said what many Madridists think.
A spark that fuels the fire
The Brazilian's reaction further fueled the eternal rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Negreira case, the VAR, the referee decisions... Everything is so sensitive that any gesture, any post, can make social media explode.
Although Roberto Carlos tried to backtrack, the damage was already done. His deleted post didn't vanish from the collective memory. On the contrary, it remained as yet another symbol of the tension in Spanish soccer.