January 23rd 2024.
Joan Laporta could not hide his disgust at the refereeing in Real Madrid's recent victory over Almeria. As the president of Barcelona, he did not hold back in his assessment of the standard of officiating in the highly contentious match at the Bernabeu.
According to Laporta, the three calls that were overturned by VAR in Madrid's favor were a disgrace. Despite being at the bottom of the table, Almeria had put up a strong fight and were leading by two goals before Madrid's stunning comeback in the second half. Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Dani Carvajal were the heroes of the game as they secured the victory for Los Blancos and kept them within a point of surprise league leaders Girona.
However, it was not just the result that left a sour taste in Laporta's mouth. Almeria manager Gaizka Garitano was also shown a red card for his protests against the repeated decisions that went against his team. Laporta did not hold back in his criticism of the referees, stating that they have been under pressure throughout the season and have failed to fulfill their duties.
The Barcelona president made his feelings known at the Mundo Deportivo Grand Gala, where he described the events at the Bernabeu as a disgrace. He also expressed his concern about the seven-point gap between his team and their bitter rivals, Madrid. Laporta believes that VAR re-refereeing has cost his team valuable points throughout the season.
Despite the disappointment, Laporta remains optimistic about Barcelona's chances of catching up to Madrid. He believes that the team's recent performances, along with the return of injured players like Marc-Andre ter Stegen, will help them in their pursuit of trophies. Laporta also praised the quality of the squad, including star players like Robert Lewandowski, and emphasized the importance of unity in the dressing room.
Laporta's sentiments were echoed by Barcelona's head coach, Xavi. The former Spain midfielder also condemned the refereeing in Madrid's win, describing it as unbelievable. He stated that it was not the first time they had faced such decisions this season and that they had done everything in their power to win the game.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming matches for both teams, as they continue to battle for the top spot in La Liga. However, Laporta and Xavi's comments serve as a reminder that the controversial refereeing in the Madrid vs Almeria match will not be forgotten anytime soon.
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