Kanoute has no ref concerns

Sevilla’s Frederic Kanoute has dismissed suggestions that Real Madrid may attempt to influence the referee in their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Reports suggest trophy holders Sevilla will use additional security measures to guard against a repeat of a controversial incident between the clubs at the same stage of the competition in February 2004.

On that occasion, Real – leading 2-0 from the first leg – went a man down when Zinedine Zidane was sent off in the first half of the return fixture at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Sevilla scored to trail 2-1 aggregate, but after Real official Jorge Valdano – now the club’s sporting director – allegedly confronted the match officials at half-time, Javi Navarro was sent off for the home side, who went on to lose.

The hosts for Wednesday’s first leg are seemingly going out of their way to try and avoid a repeat of the situation, but striker Kanoute believes this is more to do with getting the players fired up than any genuine concerns about the potential for mischief.

“This is all a tactic,” Kanoute said.

“I don’t think that they really think that … You have to have more confidence in the referees, thinking that they aren’t going to fall into this trap. That’s what I hope.”

“It seems a little aggressive, but I don’t think that people are stupid either. It’s just to motivate the team, and I hope that on the pitch everything will be in good spirit.”

“There is an advantage, in that it helps to excite everyone. With this campaign going, we can’t afford to lose. If we do, then it is a little ridiculous.”

“It doesn’t bother us at all not to be favourites. We will play our role, but we won’t have any troubles. We have the level to match Real Madrid.”