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Zidane dismisses referee conspiracy theories ahead of Clasico

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has dismissed claims Clasico referee Carlos Clos Gomez favours Barcelona with his decisions.

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Sections of the Spanish press have suggested Clos Gomez favours Barca, pointing out that the Catalans have never lost a game with the 44-year-old as referee. 

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He has also been accused of anti-Madrid bias on more than one occasion, most notably in the win over Sevilla back in 2010-11 when he drew the ire of then-coach Jose Mourinho.

Nevertheless, Zidane does not believe in conspiracy theories and is confident Clos Gomez will give his all to ensure a good and fair game.

"I do not believe in claims that any referee favours one club or another," Zidane said at a press conference.

"I just think it will be a great game, with the referee doing his best.

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"I am not interested in such conspiracy theories. I am not worried. I only want to think about the match.

"The people want to see a great game on Saturday with a great referee who wants to do things well."

Madrid defend a six-point lead in La Liga over their rivals heading into this weekend's encounter at Camp Nou.

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