Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Five Ugly ‘El Clasico’ Moments

Like many great European football rivalries, The ‘El Clasico’ between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been a symbol of cultural and political dissension. In fact, the Spanish Football Association warned Barcelona that if Catalonia were to become an independent nation they would not be allowed to compete in the Spanish divisions anymore. Which would mean that the next ‘El Clasico’ could very well be the last.

It is quite unlikely that the Spanish Football Association will scrap a cashcow of a rivalry. The last match in March had an estimate of 400 million viewers across the globe, which is almost a 4:1 ratio to the glamorous Super Bowl. In the past, the ‘El Clasico’ has produced moments far from glamorous. It may be an occasion lined with stars on and off the field, but the ‘El Clasico’ has been marred by ugly scenes throughout the years.

We take a look back at five ugly ‘El Clasico’ moments

Luis Figo “Pesetero”

We start off with one of the most iconic and perhaps the most disgusting images that has come to define the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

In November 2002, Barcelona had played host to Madrid in an ‘El Clasico’ that was dubbed ‘Derbi de la Vergüenza’ or Derby of Shame. When Luis Figo went to take a corner kick, he was met by a neo fascist group known as the ‘Boxois Nois’, supporters of the neo fascist group attempted to hit Figo with the head of a suckling pig and a full bottle of whisky.

There is a backstory behind the incident. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo was known as perhaps the greatest Portuguese footballer of all time and the undoubted star of Portugal’s “golden generation” that won the Under-20 World Youth Championship in 1989 and 1991. Two seasons prior to the Derby of Shame, Luis Figo was the vice-captain of Barcelona. He was never forgiven for his move to bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Sergio Ramos Rampage

‘El Clasico’ is also known for the fiery nature, not just among the fans, but also between the opposition on the pitch as well. However, it was strange to see team-mates from the newly crown World Cup winning Spanish squad fighting on the field.

After a bad challenge on Barcelona’s Leo Messi, tension escalated between the players. Sergio Ramos then churlishly shoved Spanish team-mates Puyol and Xavi.

Despite getting shoved, Puyol decided to end it there. He said, “They are moments of high tension, but what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I have a very good relationship with Sergio Ramos and it’s already forgotten, I have more important things to think about.”

The Jose Mourinho Eye Poke

It is one thing to expect fans misbehave and you might even expect the odd clash on the field from the players, but you would expect better from the manager that is regarded as one of the best in the sport to show a little more self-restraint.

After a nasty tackle from Real Madrid’s Marcelo on Fabregas a large melee ensued between the players and the coaching staff on both sides during the tense “El Clasico” of 2011. While Jose Mourinho is never far away from controversy, even this presented a new low as the self-titled “Special One” proceed to poke Tito Vilanova in the eye.

He was then banned for two matches afterwards. When Vilanova tragically lost his fight with throat cancer earlier this year, Jose Mourinho was quick to pay his respect to the former Barcelona manager.

The Portuguese manager said, “Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends. On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.”

The Alfredo Di Stefano Transfer Saga

Alfredo Di Stefano was considered one of the greatest players of all times. In fact, the two players considered better than the Argentine, Maradona and Pele, considered him the greatest player of all time.

In 1953, Di Stefano made his way into ‘El Clasico’ history and even to this day remains an emotive topic between the pair of supporters. Barcelona had appeared to have beaten Madrid to the signature of the Argentine with even FIFA giving the green light for the transfer to go through.

However, Real Madrid stepped in and signed the Di Stefano due to Barcelona neglecting to agree terms with a third-party that still held a portion of the Argentine’s contract. Many even believed that Spanish dictator, General Franco, who was a massive Real Madrid fan had double agents within the Barcelona negotiating team to intentionally sabotage any deal for the prolific striker.

Alfredo Di Stefano, went on to become the greatest ever player to represent Real Madrid. He won five European Cups in a row for the Madrid giants and became the club president. He was made Honorary President of Real Madrid, a position held until he passed in July. He was 88-years-old

The 1943 Match (Real Madrid 11 – 1 Barcelona)

Barcelona and Madrid are the two biggest cities in Spain. Many things divided the two cities, General Franco had not forgiven Barcelona for the “lack of patriotism” shown during the civil war. When the teams met in 1943 in the semi-final of the Generalissimo Cup, Barcelona travelled to the capital with a 3-0 lead.

Before the second leg, General Franco’s Head of State Security had greeted the players with a daunting message.

“Do not forget that some of you are only playing because of the generosity of the regime that has forgiven you for your lack of patriotism.”

Real Madrid went on to win the match 11-1. Spanish newspapers called the scoreline “as absurd as it was abnormal”.
The match went on to become the catalyst of what was to be known as ‘El Clasico’.

[Image via Google Images, The Telegraph and BBC]