Villarreal coach denies implying gifts from Real Madrid swayed referees

Villarreal (Spain) Feb 28 (IANS) Villarreal coach Fran Escriba said on Tuesday that his football club has never implied that gift bags given by Real Madrid to referees had influenced their decisions during Sunday s La Liga clash against his side.

Villarreal suffered a 2-3 home defeat against Real Madrid while the referees were seen carrying Real Madrid gift bags after the match reports Efe.

The Spanish coach insisted that Villarreal has never suggested that these gift bags could have influenced the decisions of the officials.

Escriba believes that things have been exaggerated explaining that there is a chance of errors made by referees in every game but once the game ends there is nothing to be done.

He emphasised that referees must be respected and reiterated that he understands mistakes may be made by match officials but that is a part of soccer.

--IANS
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