Ivan Rakitic makes shocking claim about referee in El Clasico victory

IVAN RAKITIC vented his frustration at the referee following Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Miami claiming he was ‘insulted three times’.

The Croatia international claimed he was disrespected by ref Jair Marrufo after he was substituted off following an argument with the official.

Despite the match only being a friendly, the El Clasico fixture lived up to expectation as it was full of drama.

Rakitic doubled Barcelona’s lead after seven minutes, after Lionel Messi had netted in the third minute, with Gerard Pique netting the winner in the second-half.

But during the second half, the referee blew his whistle for a free-kick and after his decision him and Rakitic exchanged words before the latter appeared to push Marrufo.

Speaking after the match, the 29-year-old said: “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 but when they don’t show it to me, then I don’t like it.”

Rakatic escaped a booking in the match and the midfielder expects the Super Cup to be a much more competitive affair between the two sides.

He added: “We will see if we are better than Madrid.

“This was a friendly game today but the victory always gives confidence.

“The Super Cup will be different as we will be playing for a trophy which is what is important.”