Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa says teammate Denis Cheryshev has been treated unfairly in the aftermath of the club being thrown out of the Copa del Rey.
Cheryshev, 24, was suspended for last week's last 32 first leg at Cadiz having been booked three times when on loan at Villarreal last season, but neither he nor his club realised and the Russia international started and scored the opening goal in a 3-1 win.
It quickly emerged that Cheryshev was ineligible for the game and the Spanish FA reacted by eliminating Madrid from the competition -- although club president Florentino Perez has said he will take all measures to have the decision overturned.
Cheryshev was whistled by some Madrid fans before Tuesday's 8-0 Champions League group win over Malmo at the Bernabeu but, although still on the bench at the time, he was pointedly included in the celebrations after Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his four goals on the night.
Arbeloa told reporters in the Bernabeu's mixed zone afterwards that Cheryshev did not deserve all that was happening to him, and the team had to stick together in such situations.
"It has been very unfair on Denis," Arbeloa said. "We are a team and bad situations are where we need to be most united. We all want the same thing and we have to defend this badge, among the players, the fans and the club."
The former Spain international said it was unlikely that the Spanish FA's appeals committee would overturn their own decision -- however he said he was hopeful that the Spanish government's Administrative Court for Sport would reinstate Madrid into the Copa in time for the scheduled second leg against Cadiz at the Bernabeu on Dec. 23.
"We got a great result in Cadiz," Arbeloa said. "The federation are not going to throw themselves to the death, but Real Madrid is right in this, for many of the reasons that the president gave. We hope there is justice and Madrid stays in the Copa and we'll play the return leg."
Arbeloa, making just his third start of the season against Malmo, was also asked about his relationship with his former Liverpool manager Benitez.
"We know each other for a long time," the 32-year-old said. "He is the coach and I train. Rafa has all our support. We are more united than ever."
Benitez was again whistled by the Bernabeu crowd before Tuesday's game and afterwards said the 8-0 result should quieten critics who argue his style is too defensive for such a big club.
Madrid midfielder Casemiro also told reporters after the game that both Benitez and Cheryshev had their support of their colleagues.
"We are behind the coach and we showed that on the pitch," he said. "We carry on together because he trust in him. Cheryshev is not having a bad time and the celebration is because we are fond of him. The squad back him and the manager. Real Madrid continue onwards together because we will be stronger united."