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Ferdinand launches attack on Barcelona players
ESPN staff
April 28, 2011
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Real Madrid are adamant Pepe did not touch Daniel Alves
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Real Madrid have released a video on their official website which they claim proves Pepe should not have been given a red card during their Champions League semi-final first leg against arch rivals Barcelona.
The Portugal defender was dismissed in the second half for a high challenge on Barca right-back Dani Alves, but the nine-time European champions have claimed Pepe did not make contact with the Brazilian's leg.
The video, which is over two minutes long, also includes footage of a clash between Pedro and Real's Alvaro Arbeloa, after there was a coming together between the pair and the Barca forward went to the ground clutching his face.
There are further accusations of simulation against Pep Guardiola's players, with images also shown of Barca's Sergio Busquets holding his face after a collision with Marcelo.
Real have also released various posts from sportsmen on Twitter under the headline "The sports world cries out" as evidence to support their claims.
Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "This diving is a joke/embarrassing. When Pedro watches that do you think he'll think, "What was I doing!?" Rugby players must laugh at football.
Also, aimed at Alves, Ferdinand tweeted: "If you ever see me go off on a stretcher then run back on to play, I give everyone on here the green light to hit me with a two-footed tackle."
Ferdinand's team-mate Michael Owen also criticised former Sevilla defender Alves via the social media site: "Alves' actions won't please many as if he had got straight up it would have been a yellow card, but Barça fans will be happy with his actions."
Real even included the word's of Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, who said: "Dani Alves, you are a disgrace. Roll about on the floor just a bit more!"
Barca will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their last-four tie at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.
© ESPN EMEA Ltd
