Dani Alves Comments on Real Madrid's Potential Copa del Rey Disqualification

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has pulled no punches in the Clasico rivalry after insisting Real Madrid should be thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding Denis Cheryshev in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Cadiz.

Real manager Rafa Benitez did so lacking the knowledge Cheryshev was ineligible due to suspension, and Alves told Cadena COPE's El Partido de las 12 radio show his opinion on the matter (h/t Spanish daily Marca):

"

Such things shouldn't be happening at a club like Real Madrid. They should be kicked out of the competition, on account of the previous games played, and in line with the rules. There's no argument that stands up.

"

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

According to Alfredo Relano of Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez maintains the club "were not informed of Cheryshev's ineligibility." However, it's also mentioned the Spanish Football Federation made this information available to "those clubs that requested it."

Clearly hopeful Los Blancos can remain in the domestic tournament, Perez went on to proclaim his side were in the midst of a media storm due to "incorrect reports":

It's hardly a surprise to see Alves jump on the bandwagon urging the Spanish Football Federation to take a stand against Real, insisting the letter of the law be followed irrespective of the club that stands to lose out.

The Brazil international wasn't the only Blaugrana rival to comment on the matter either, after outspoken centre-back Gerard Pique timed an emoji-filled tweet of his own in line with the news emerging in midweek:

Real's major argument in the matter is that Cheryshev's suspension was instigated last season while he was on loan at Villarreal, absolving them of blame.

Marca's David G. Medina pointed out the Cheryshev debacle as the latest embarrassing drama in what's been a "ludicrous five months at the Bernabeu," with Benitez's tenure far from uneventful thus far.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Both parties have an argument in the matter, but one can certainly sympathise with Alves' debate that if the rules are to be followed as outlined, Los Merengues should find themselves ousted prematurely.

The defender has a lot to gain in the matter, considering Real's ejection would eliminate one of Barca's major potential Copa del Rey threats and help his side's quest for silverware this season.