Spanish Media Claims Anger Among Barcelona and Real Madrid Players as El Clásico Friendly is Suspended Modric: I Want to Play

On the morning of August 4, a highly anticipated friendly match took place in the United States between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, due to lightning, the match was suspended just 11 minutes and 35 seconds after it started, causing significant frustration among the players of both teams.

According to Spain’s Marca newspaper, shortly after the start of the match, the players were notified to return to the locker rooms. Per the safety regulations of the event organizers, if lightning is detected within an 8-mile (approximately 13 kilometers) radius, the match must be paused, and everyone needs to seek shelter immediately. The match can only resume once there has been no lightning in the area for 30 consecutive minutes. Due to the severe storm warning issued for New Jersey, the players were called back to the locker room less than 15 minutes after the start of the match.

It is understood that the organizers had discussed the possibility of postponing the match until 9 PM local time to avoid the predicted peak of thunderstorms but ultimately decided to proceed as planned. However, human efforts cannot always overcome nature, and this first “El Clásico” of the season was interrupted almost as soon as it began due to weather conditions.

The 13-kilometer lightning detection range may seem extensive, but preventive measures are taken very seriously in the United States. “They strictly follow the rules; they have no choice. As soon as lightning appears, we have to wait,” explained a Real Madrid official.

In accordance with safety protocols, the stands must be cleared to ensure everyone’s safety from potential hazards. The players’ anger was evident, as they did not understand why the match had to be interrupted due to light rain. When the referee stopped the game and instructed everyone to evacuate, there was barely any rainfall, leading to widespread protests. Coaches and players such as Ancelotti, Modric, Flick, and Iñigo Martínez expressed their dissatisfaction, while the New Jersey police promptly entered the pitch to assist both teams in evacuating quickly according to the regulations.

“We want to play!” shouted Real Madrid midfielder Modric to the main referee Armando Villarreal, urging his teammates to leave the field. Despite the absence of any threatening weather and minimal rainfall, the rules were clear. For a moment, the scene became chaotic as the referee pointed towards the bench, but the locker rooms were on the other side. At this point, the police intervened, guiding both teams to safe areas and ensuring everyone’s safety.