Lionel Messi ‘put pressure on referee’ in El Clasico, says Madrid captain Sergio Ramos as Real hold Barcelona in derby clash

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos said Barcelona forward Lionel Messi put pressure on the referee at half-time in Sunday’s thrilling ‘Clasico’ at the Nou Camp which ended 2-2 after a series of controversial decisions.

Barca defender Sergi Roberto had been sent off right at the end of the first half for clashing with Marcelo, provoking fury among the home side’s players and supporters as, moments earlier, Real forward Gareth Bale had gotten away with a studs-up challenge on Samuel Umtiti.

The Wales forward later denied Primera Liga champions Barca victory by hitting a scorching late equaliser from outside the area.

The constant on-field confrontations and meaty challenges led to referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez dishing out eight yellow cards, including booking Ramos and Barca striker Luis Suarez.

“Messi put him under a bit of pressure in the tunnel, I don’t know if there are cameras, maybe he caused him to referee in the second half in a different way,” Ramos told reporters.

“He said everything to him. This is football and everything should stay on the pitch.”