Sergio Ramos' two-footed lunge on Lionel Messi during Sunday's Clasico was another example of how Real Madrid try and injure the Barcelona maestro whenever he comes to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, according to Fabio Capello.
The former Blancos boss was watching on as a pundit this time around and was left with no doubts over the malicious intent behind the centre-back's actions.
"Every time there is a Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid players try to injure Messi," he stated on Fox Sports Italy.
"This foul was a clear red card.
"You just have to look at it, at the tackle. It's criminal, the player is deservedly sent off."
In the ongoing debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Italian came out in favour of the Argentine after his heroics in the 92nd minute.
"Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a great player, but it's great to be able to see what the Argentine can do, he threw the team behind him because he's a genius," Capello continued.
"Ronaldo is a top scorer and he's very good in the area, but tonight we have seen a genius who has managed to get his team a positive result. Today I saw Messi do things that I have never seen before."
Leaving the LaLiga title race in the balance, Capello believes the key moment for Real will come in their Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid.
"Real Madrid are physically well and potentially have three points to their advantage, but they have two very demanding matches in the Champions League that could drain their batteries," he noted.
