Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has blasted referee Cesar Soto Grado for his poor officiating which saw him and Raphinha received a red card in the club’s goal-less draw against Getafe on Sunday.
The 43-year-old made an astonishing attack on La Liga president Javier Tebas, saying that the league’s current status is nothing short of a disgrace.
The outburst came after Barcelona’s unimpressive 0-0 league-opening loss with Getafe. During the course of the game, the referee showed three red cards, which infuriated Xavi and made him quite angry.
Due to a questionable handball incident involving Gavi, a possible late penalty for Barcelona was not given. And Xavi’s frustration hit a boiling point as he was sent off for dissent.
What Did Xavi Say About The Officiating?
As reported by Goal, Xavi said in the post match conference: “If this match is La Liga’s product, it’s an absolute embarrassment. I understand why people don’t watch our football.
“The handball given to Gavi was invented. They told us in a meeting that only very clear handballs would be given. And Gavi’s wasn’t one, yet they gave it anyway.
“They told us they would use VAR less. And I don’t know if VAR is there to help or not. I don’t see the point of that meeting.
See Also: Liverpool Make Offer For Real Madrid Midfielder As Caicedo Alternative
“I was sent off for telling the referee they were allowing Getafe to get away with a lot of fouls. And not doing the same for us.
“We had a meeting with the referees. And the first change they said they would make is that they would understand the coaches more. And the tension we feel on the pitch. But that is not what happened, and I don’t understand it.”
After being dismissed from the sidelines, Xavi will probably miss at least the following two matches.
COMMENTS