LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez reportedly called the status of La Liga “nothing but a disgrace” in a startling assault on La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Following a lackluster goalless draw in the season opener between Barcelona and Getafe, an explosion broke out.
Xavi was furious and became quite angry when the referee showed three red cards during the game.
Referee Cesar Soto Grado allowed Getafe to play in a rough and regularly aggressive manner, which successfully disrupted the game and angered both players and fans.
Due to a questionable handball incident involving Gavi, a possible late penalty for Barcelona was rejected, and Xavi’s frustration reached a boiling point when he was sent out for dissent.
In the press conference following the game, Xavi stated: “If this match is La Liga’s product, it is an utter shame. I can see 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.
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“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.”
Additionally dismissed from the sidelines, Xavi will probably miss at least the following two matches.
However, if Tebas’ reputation for not taking criticism seriously is anything to go by, the post-game outburst may prevent him from being with his players at the pitchside for five to ten games.
The lack of important players in critical positions for the Blaugrana is already an issue, and the potential bans of Raphinha and coach Xavi will make matters worse.
A hefty suspension might follow Xavi’s tirade at the La Liga president and the referees.