Roberto Carlos, Former Real Madrid player
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Real Madrid have been in the midst of a refereeing saga in recent weeks, with the club disappointed by decisions going against them in their recent La Liga encounters.
Jose Mourinho came to the press conference after the Madrid derby with photographs of challenges against his team that went unpunished.
He then decided to avoid the press conference altogether, fearing a suspension after the red card that Vinicius Junior received against Villarreal.
Now, Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has questioned the reluctance of professional footballers to speak openly about refereeing controversies.
His comments appear to be aimed at Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi following the youngster’s response to Madrid’s complaints.
Roberto Carlos questions players’ willingness to speak
As quoted by laSexta Deportes, the former Brazil international, who now serves as a Real Madrid ambassador, criticised the lack of unity among professional players.
“Professional players are not united. They are afraid to speak,” Roberto Carlos declared.
💥 "Los jugadores profesionales no están unidos, tienen miedo a hablar".
😳 El 'dardo' de Roberto Carlos, embajador del Real Madrid, a Cubarsí por no mojarse por los arbitrajes al conjunto blanco. pic.twitter.com/hQs1J69LTn
— laSexta Deportes (@Sexta_Deportes) October 12, 2026
Cubarsi was asked about the situation in Barcelona’s press conference ahead of facing Galatasaray.
“I don’t focus on that issue, but on what I can do something about, which is my club, what we can give to our people,” Cubarsi said.
The 19-year-old’s response did not acknowledge the problem in La Liga or the inconsistency in refereeing decisions.
Carlos’ criticism also raises questions about whether players from rival clubs should remain silent when refereeing controversies involve teams other than their own.
Real Madrid’s refereeing frustrations continue
The debate comes shortly after Madrid’s controversial 1-0 victory over Villarreal, which included Vinicius Junior receiving a straight red card for pulling an opponent’s hair.
The Brazilian also had a goal disallowed following a VAR review, adding to the frustration surrounding the match.
Vinicius’ dismissal has also revived discussions about consistency in refereeing decisions, particularly after his representatives highlighted a previous incident involving Stole Dimitrievski.
Roberto Carlos makes an important point. Refereeing standards should not become a concern only when a particular club feels disadvantaged.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Real Madrid are right to want the refereeing to improve in La Liga. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
More professional footballers should be willing to speak openly when they believe decisions are inconsistent, regardless of whether those decisions affect Real Madrid, Barcelona or another La Liga side.
Remaining silent simply because a controversy involves a rival does little to improve the league.
Cubarsi is entitled to focus on Barcelona, but Roberto Carlos is right to suggest that greater unity could make the players’ collective voice more influential.
If more players speak out constructively, La Liga could face greater pressure to improve transparency, clarify its rules and ensure more consistent decisions.
Such changes would benefit the entire competition in the long run, and the ultimate goal should be an improvement in the refereeing system.
Jose Mourinho still believes in 32-year-old veteran despite difficult start at Real Madrid
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho is yet to identify his best combination at Real Madrid, with the midfield in particular raising a lot of questions.
The Portuguese tactician has so far preferred using Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde as his first-choice partnership.
However, while the duo are excellent physically and at winning the ball back, they leave a lot to be desired in terms of creativity.
One player who could change things is Bernardo Silva, but the former Manchester City star has struggled to get going after arriving in the summer with considerable expectations.
According to MARCA, Mourinho has not yet given up on the Portuguese veteran despite his limited role so far.
Bernardo Silva has fallen down the pecking order
Mourinho remains confident that he can recover the best version of Bernardo. Wednesday’s Champions League encounter against Roma could offer an important indication of the manager’s plan for the midfielder.
Madrid moved decisively to sign Bernardo during the summer, hijacking the deal while he appeared close to joining Atletico Madrid.
Mourinho wanted a technically gifted, versatile player capable of retaining possession and bringing greater control to the midfield.
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Bernardo has not gotten going yet at Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Dani Ceballos’ departure had created an opening, while Madrid’s unsuccessful pursuit of Rodri increased the need for someone with Bernardo’s qualities.
However, the signing has yet to deliver the expected impact. Mourinho hinted during pre-season that Bernardo had arrived short of his best physical condition.
His opportunities have since declined considerably. He has not started a match since 12 September against Rayo Vallecano.
Since then, his only appearance has been an eight-minute outing in the Madrid derby. He remained an unused substitute against Elche and Villarreal.
The international break has offered Bernardo little relief. Across Portugal’s four Nations League victories, Bernardo played just seven minutes.
Mourinho still searching for his ideal role
One of the biggest problems has been finding a suitable position for the midfielder.
Mourinho initially experimented with Bernardo alongside Federico Valverde in a double pivot, hoping his passing and positional intelligence would improve Madrid’s build-up.
However, that partnership failed to produce the desired defensive balance. The manager has also considered using Bernardo further forward.
That said, competition for attacking places has also intensified, leaving Bernardo without an opportunity in that area as well.
Despite the odds being firmly stacked against him, Mourinho continues to believe Bernardo can become an important player.
Roma clash offers an opportunity to change the narrative
Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Roma could provide an indication of whether Mourinho is ready to give Bernardo another meaningful opportunity.
Bernardo Silva, Real Madrid player
Roma could provide an opportunity to Bernardo Silva to get his Madrid career on track. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
The midfielder missed Madrid’s previous European encounter against Inter through suspension, and his experience at the highest level could prove valuable.
More importantly, Madrid’s recent performances suggest they still need precisely the qualities Bernardo was signed to provide.
Arda Guler provides creativity, but much of Madrid’s attacking play still depends on individual inspiration.
Bernardo could help address those weaknesses if Mourinho finds a role that allows him to receive possession centrally and connect the midfield with the forwards.
It remains to be seen how the 32-year-old’s role improves in the coming weeks and whether he gets a chance to play against Roma.