Florentino Perez will fight potential Real Madrid suspension from Copa del Rey

Florentino Perez defended Real Madrid’s liability in fielding Denis Cheryshev

In a press conference earlier, Florentino Perez defended Real Madrid’s error in fielding an ineligible Denis Cheryshev in their previous fixture against Cadiz. The club faced elimination from the tournament despite a 3-1 win, in which Cheryshev scored a goal and was later substituted when the error was realized.

Speaking to the assembled press, a defiant Perez claimed that non of the involved parties were notified and hence the suspension would not stand. “Fielding Cheryshev yesterday in Cadiz, means the following: Neither the player nor the club had been warned, which we do not consider effective. Based on article 41.2 of the RFEF rulebook, we do not consider the sanction effective.

“We have no precedent for something like what happened yesterday. Whenever a player has come with a sanction he knew about it. If he had been notified, he would not have played. We have the obligation to defend what we believe is our right. Neither the player, the Federation, or Villarreal informed us, it is impossible for us to know about it.”

Article 41.2 refers to the sanctions not taking effect unless the player has been notified. With Perez claiming that Denis Cheryshev was not notified, Real Madrid will definitely appeal any sanctions placed on them.

Perez was made aware of the case of Athletic Bilbao last season, where they fielded an ineligible Raul Garcia and were subsequently barred from the competition. However, Perez claimed the two cases were different, saying “What Athletic Bilbao had done with Raúl García, was because they had been warned. Nobody warned us.” In addition to Bilbao, Osasuna were eliminated for similar reasons too, a precedent that should concern Real Madrid.

Speaking about the managerial role in Real Madrid, Perez backed Benitez despite the oversight, “I spoke yesterday with the coach. They are all very sad because we are facing a situation that has never happened before. I'm enchanted by Zinedine Zidane. He's ready as a coach and I wish him the best. But at the moment we have Benitez. I repeat, we must let Benitez do his work”

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— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) December 2, 2015

Perez was also asked about Gerard Pique’s tweet that went viral. Pique’s tweet appeared to be taunting Real Madrid’s error. Perez dismissed the matter, saying, “Pique's tweet? I do not comment on these kind of things.“

Perez also touched on Karim Benzema, stating “Karim should be given the right of any person, the presumption of innocence.” The beleaguered striker is facing stern legal action after being embroiled in a blackmail scandal.