Dani Alves feels Real Madrid should be kicked out of Copa Del Rey for fielding an ineligible player

Ed Ran
Dani Alves Barcelona Real Madrid
Alves felt a club like Real Madrid should not have made such a big mistake

After Real Madrid got into trouble with the RFEF over fielding an ineligible player in the Copa Del Rey, Dani Alves feels the capital club should be thrown out of the competition. Although Real Madrid beat Cadiz 3-1, they could be kicked out of the competition after it was revealed that 24-year-old Denis Cheryshev was ineligible for the tie.

Cheryshev had accumulated one yellow card too many last season with Villarreal. Suspensions in the Copa Del Rey carry over to the next season as well. Club president Florentino Perez even called a press conference and declared the club would do everything they could to ensure they could continue playing in the competition with the excuse that they club were not warned.

Many have voiced their opinion on the matter and even Barcelona full-back Dani Alves was questioned about the situation by Cadena COPE's El Partido de las 12 show. And he was of the opinion that Real Madrid should not be allowed to play in the competition.

“Such things shouldn't be happening at a club like Real Madrid,” Alves said. “They should be kicked out of the competition, on account of the previous games played, and in line with the rules. There's no argument that stands up.”

This is not the first time a club has been pulled up. In September, Osasuna were disqualified after 23-year-old defender Unai Garcia played 90 minutes in spite of being sent off in the same competition last season. Although Osasuna beat Mirandes 2-1, a 3-0 win was awarded to Mirandes after the issue came to light.

Ronaldo doesn’t deserve the Ballon d’Or: Alves

Alves was also asked about the club’s rivalry with Real Madrid and how he felt about it. The two clubs contest the Clasico at least twice a year in a match where the best and worst of the rivalry come to the fore.

Although Alves despises the club, it is not so bad that he would like to see them relegated.

“I wouldn't like to see Real Madrid playing in the second division,” Alves said. “I don't hate them all that much. La Liga without Real Madrid would be lacking a bit of spice. Real Madrid drive Barca on to be better.”

When questioned about the final three Ballon d’Or candidates, Alves picked his teammates over Cristiano Ronaldo.

”Messi is the world's best, and Neymar, the second best. Cristiano Ronaldo is not deserving of being amongst the three Ballon d'Or finalists.

“The best player in the world should be someone who influences play to a greater extent, and not just someone who scores goals. People forget that this is a team sport.”


Quick Links