Top 5 El Clasico fights in recent years

There are too many interesting facets about sports rivalries these days. The quest to suppress the other has been the unprecedented motto for a team or an individual. El Clasico has redefined the word ‘rivalry’. The teams involved are two largest cities in Spain with opposite political positions. F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid C.F. are probably the most valuable clubs existing today and perhaps two of the most successful clubs. During the last three decades, the rivalry has augmented gravely. Goals, fouls, fights, dives and red cards have been a regular feature of the El Clasico. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the referee whose decisions may well have a big say on the outcome of the league. If you say that the sports rivalries are less controversial than the controversies generated by politics and religion then you are quite mistaken. Here’s a look at some of the most riveting incidents that has taken place in El Clasico over the past few years. 

#5 Arbeloa slaps Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, who was in pursuit of the ball, was fouled by Alvaro Arbeloa and was later slapped on the face.

The incident has it’s after effects once the game got over. Messi appeared agitated throughout the match, reportedly trading insults with Arbeloa, with both players covering their mouths to hide their words from the cameras. The Spanish newspaper Marca alleges that Messi also confronted Real assistant manager Aitor Karanka in the tunnel after the game, yelling: "What are you looking at? Shut up. You're just [Jose] Mourinho's puppet."