Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic claims Clasico referee insulted him three times
Posted Monday, July 31, 2017 by ESPN
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has said referee Jair Marrufo "insulted me quite strongly" during the weekend's 3-2 Clasico win over Real Madrid in Miami.
Rakitic, who scored his side's second goal, was seen having what appeared to be heated exchanges with Marrufo as Barca defeated their rivals thanks to a second-half winner.
He told reporters: "People who know me are aware that it is difficult to wind me up, but the referee did.
"He insulted me quite strongly three times. I usually have a lot of respect for them [officials] -- but when they don't show it to me, I don't like it."
Rakitic said he felt Barcelona had enjoyed a "positive" tour to the United States, but said the victory over Real did not necessarily prove anything.
"We will see if we are better than Madrid," he said. "This was a friendly game, but a victory always gives confidence."
He added that the forthcoming Spanish Super Cup game between the rivals "will be different as we will be playing for a trophy, which is what is important."
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