The past 24 hours have been rough for Real Madrid’s management, dressing room and fans across the globe.
After being proclaimed the favourite to lift the Ballon d’Or for months, Vinicius Junior was snubbed of the award in the last minute, with Manchester City’s Rodri crowned the best player in the world instead.
As soon as word of Vinicius’ last-minute defeat popped up in the media, the Merengues administration decided that no one from the club would travel to Paris for the ceremony and their decision has been met with a lot of criticism.
Tebas speaks out
Speaking to the media earlier today, La Liga president Javier Tebas, who is a known and openly proclaimed Madidista, gave his two cents on the club’s decision to skip the event.
“Real Madrid should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned the France Football system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting,” he said.
“I’m a Madrid fan. The important values of this club are to be a gentleman and shake hands when you get lost. I think Real Madrid lost that mentality a long time ago,” he added.
He then openly commented on the victim card Real Madrid have been accused of playing and how it negatively affects the club’s image, especially for such a large institution of the game.
“Madrid’s victimhood is exaggerated. We also experience this lack of elegance in Spain.”
While Madrid’s delegation did not arrive in Paris, the men in white still had their moments at the event with Carlo Ancelotti named the best men’s manager and also the best club award going their way.
Florentino Perez and Co.’s decision to skip the event may appear to be a strong message to France Football for allegedly applying criteria partially, but does raise some questions about the club’s behaviour.
Source: Mundo Deportivo