)
Xavi Hernandez accuses Real Madrid of referee influence and claims the white outfit are adulterating the league
In a fiery outburst that's set the Spanish football scene ablaze, Barcelona's head honcho, Xavi Hernandez, has taken a swing at arch-rivals Real Madrid, accusing them of swaying the men in the middle to their favor "every week."
With the LaLiga title race heating up, these accusations throw an explosive element into the mix, especially with Barça trailing the league leaders by a significant margin.
)
22:23 - 02.02.2024
Super League gains momentum: Barcelona chief Laporta reveals list of supporting clubs
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals the list of clubs who have agreed to join the European Super League.
)
23:41 - 01.02.2024
Famous Lionel Messi Barcelona contract napkin to sell for ₦300 million
The Napkin on which Lionel Messi signed his first-ever contract with Barcelona is set to go on auction
Xavi Calls Out Real Madrid's Influence
Barcelona's tactician didn't mince his words, laying into Real Madrid for what he perceives as an undue influence over referees, a move he claims is skewing the fairness of Spain's top-flight competition.
"I don't like that they are influencing referees and they are doing it every week. I think it adulterates the competition a bit," Xavi vented in a press conference, adding fuel to the already fiery rivalry between the two footballing giants.
Laporta Echoes Xavi's Sentiments
Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, doubled down on Xavi's accusations, labeling Real Madrid's television content as "shameful" and slamming their conduct.
)
The controversy over refereeing in Real Madrid's comeback win against Almeria has particularly irked Laporta, who fumed over what he saw as "three controversial VAR decisions" tipping the scales in Madrid's favor.
"We saw a disgrace in the game against Almeria," Laporta didn't hold back in his critique, signaling a brewing storm in Spanish football's upper echelons.
Xavi, set to part ways with Barcelona at the season's end, expressed his astonishment at the leeway given to Real Madrid's media attacks on officials, saying, "It surprises me a lot that we allow this, that it's permitted."
He further emphasized how these actions taint the integrity of the competition, a sentiment echoed by Atletico Madrid's coach, Diego Simeone, in a previous statement about VAR controversies.
Related content
22:23 - 02.02.2024
Super League gains momentum: Barcelona chief Laporta reveals list of supporting clubs
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals the list of clubs who have agreed to join the European Super League.
)
16:29 - 02.02.2024
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Match preview, predictions, possible lineups, time and where to watch
The Madrid derby, one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in La Liga, is set to light up the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on February 4, 2024, at 9 p.m. WAT.
)
10:57 - 02.02.2024
Jude Bellingham faces La Liga Investigation over alleged insult aimed at Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood
The Real Madrid star is alleged to have made an insulative comment towards Getafe's Mason Greenwood
)
21:58 - 31.01.2024
Injury blow for Barcelona as star forward set to miss Napoli UCl tie
Barcelona's injury woes continue, as they are set to miss Portugal international Joao Felix for the trip to Naples in the Champions League.
)
21:03 - 31.01.2024
Barcelona vs Osasuna: New boy Vitor Roque delivers heroic display to rescue Xavi's men
Vitor Roque scored a crucial first goal to help Barcelona secure a 1-0 win over 10-man Osasuna at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
)
22:53 - 30.01.2024
‘We cannot compare the pressure in England to Spain' — Pep Guardiola on Xavi's Barcelona exit
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola corroborates Xavi Hernandez's claim of the toxic nature of Barcelona media.
)
22:29 - 30.01.2024
Xavi Hernandez refuses to rule out returning to coach Barcelona
Xavi revealed when he decided to leave Barcelona, and left the door open for a possible return in the future.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)