Real Madrid Proof: Dani Alves Simulation

Real Madrid have posted what they are calling photo evidence on their website of Dani Alves simulating a foul which led to Pepe's dismissal. As a matter of fact, if you visit Real Madrid's website, they have posted this very photo on the home page. Is there any other club rivalry in the world that is more intense then this one?

Now I had initially mentioned in the post-game article of the match that the challenge looked rather controversial. It was controversial in that it seemed that both players had stopped before contact could occur. However, Alves quickly went to ground suggesting otherwise and had to be stretchered off indicating that it was severe. Not so fast; Alves was back in the match minutes later. 


Here is a video of the incident in question, you judge for yourself. 

Real Madrid and Mourinho, in particular, were furious with the straight red because they felt Barcelona were handed a huge advantage not only numerically but due to Pepe being the one expelled. Pepe had played perhaps the most important role of the evening in man-marking Messi. Once Pepe was gone, there was no one available to do that job nor could they afford to have someone do that job. Regardless of the simulation claims, I still believe Pepe should have been cautioned, just not with a straight red. Pepe made a very poor decision showing his studs going into that challenge and in a very aggressive match he should have known better. 

This obviously isn't Pepe's first infraction; he's had a history of harsh challenges which doesn't help his case at all. In his defense, he is a great player and normally an intelligent one. His physical attributes and intelligence were a big reason for why Mourinho chose him to man-mark Messi. However, he is also a player that can easily let his emotions get the best of him and when you are wearing your heart on your sleeve in such a match, these things are bound to occur.