Celta Vigo striker Nolito has claimed that referees in Spain's top flight do tend to favour the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

A perceived bias towards the top two in La Liga has been a talking point over the last couple of seasons, with many feeling that the two Spanish giants are given preferential treatment.

Nolito has added to the debate by claiming that Spanish officials have a tendency to 'disrespect' the so-called smaller teams.

"There are things that have existed and always will exist. If you are from Madrid or Barcelona, referees respect you more. They need to understand us. There are referees who provoke you and speak to you with arrogance," AS quotes Nolito as saying.

Celta were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid at the weekend in a match that saw the Sky Blues given a red card.