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A thoughtful man with his hand on his chin in front of a microphone and the FC Barcelona crest on a yellow background.

Iker Casillas Accuses Barça and Referees, Tells Mateu Lahoz: 'There Was M...'

Iker Casillas Raises His Voice About the Clásicos and the Refereeing Decisions That Marked His Career as a Player

Iker Casillas no longer stays silent. The legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper, a living legend of Spanish soccer, has dropped a bomb. This time, not from the field, but through words, and he has done it in front of one of the most well-known referees: Mateu Lahoz.

A Direct Message from Casillas

Iker Casillas is not a man known for speaking without thinking, but this time he has decided to be very clear. In a conversation with referee Mateu Lahoz, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper commented the following:

"I've played many matches against Barcelona and now I'm starting to think that there were many referees who were assigned to us, and now it turns out they were harming us."

A player in an orange uniform and gloves points with an outstretched arm in a stadium.
A Real Madrid Legend | @gettyimages

These words have resonated throughout the soccer world and have opened a debate that until now was silent. Casillas, known for his professionalism, seems to point to the referees of the Clásicos, where questionable decisions were common.

The Controversy of the Clásicos

Casillas was a protagonist in dozens of Clásicos. Some historic, others controversial. Always under the goalposts, facing the best Barça of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta.

Although he was always respectful in his statements, now he seems to want to lay the cards on the table. His experience gives him authority; he is not just another fan. He is someone who lived those matches from the inside, who suffered every goal, every doubtful decision, every whistle that could change everything.

An Uncomfortable Truth?

That Casillas speaks like this is no coincidence. He does it when he is already off the field, when his voice has no direct consequences, but does have a huge echo. And he says it alongside Mateu Lahoz, who has also witnessed many of those battles.

Is Casillas saying what many thought but no one dared to say?

Perhaps yes. Perhaps he is simply giving voice to a suspicion that has floated in the air for years.

A soccer referee on the field during a match wearing a black uniform and a microphone in the ear.
Lahoz, One of the Most Controversial Referees | Getty Images

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Casillas's statements have caused a great stir. The accusation that referees favored Barcelona calls into question the impartiality of refereeing in the most important matches of Spanish soccer.

Casillas's words have reopened a conversation that many preferred to avoid.

Casillas's words highlight how complex the relationship between soccer and justice is. The debate will continue, and perhaps Iker's revelation will drive greater fairness in the Clásicos and other key matches.