Real Madrid Legend hits out at Cubarsi Over Refereeing Controversy: ‘They are afraid to speak

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday October 13, 2026, Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has criticised Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi over his response to the ongoing refereeing controversy in La Liga.

The former Brazilian international believes professional footballers are afraid to speak out, arguing that greater unity among players could help address concerns about inconsistent decisions.

Madrid have expressed frustration with several refereeing decisions in recent weeks. Jose Mourinho previously highlighted challenges against his side that went unpunished after the Madrid derby, while Vinicius Junior’s dismissal against Villarreal has intensified the debate.

According to LaSexta Deportes, Carlos, who currently serves as a Real Madrid ambassador, believes players lack unity when controversial decisions affect teams across the Spanish league.

“Professional players are not united. They are afraid to speak,” the former defender stated.

His remarks appear to follow Cubarsi’s response during Barcelona’s press conference ahead of their match against Galatasaray. When asked about Madrid’s complaints, the 19-year-old explained that he preferred concentrating on Barcelona and what he could contribute to the club.

Although Cubarsi chose to focus on his own responsibilities, his response has raised questions about whether players should address refereeing issues beyond their respective teams.

The controversy follows Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal, during which Vinicius received a straight red card for pulling an opponent’s hair. The Brazilian also had a goal disallowed after a VAR review, adding to Madrid’s frustration.

The dismissal has reignited discussions about consistency in refereeing decisions. Vinicius’ representatives have also questioned the treatment of similar incidents involving other players.

Carlos believes footballers should speak up when they witness questionable decisions, regardless of the clubs involved. He argues that remaining silent when a rival experiences a controversial call does little to improve the competition.

While Cubarsi is entitled to prioritise Barcelona, greater cooperation among players could strengthen their collective influence. Constructive criticism from footballers could encourage La Liga to improve transparency, clarify its regulations and promote more consistent officiating.

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