Xavi pleads with LaLiga referees to ‘let Barcelona compete’

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández pleaded with LaLiga referees to “let us compete” and claimed the Catalan membership are “paying for the Negreira case” after Vitor Roque’s pink card in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Alavés.

Roque was despatched off simply 13 minutes after approaching for choosing up two bookings having additionally scored Barça’s third aim, with the second warning particularly debatable.

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Xavi complained it’s considered one of many selections to go in opposition to Barça this season and advised his crew are seeing the results of the investigation into their relationship with the previous vice-president of Spain’s refereeing physique, José María Enríquez Negreira.

Barça paid corporations linked to Negreira over €7 million ($7.6m) throughout 18 years, however keep they have been buying technical reviews into refereeing and by no means purchased match officers or affect.

“It’s a refereeing error against us — it’s just an unfair dismissal, if we are being honest,” Xavi, who mentioned Barça will enchantment the pink card, mentioned in a information convention.

“I just ask the referees to let us compete in LaLiga. This is another case of a clear mistake against Barça. Everyone can see the reality.

“We are paying for the Negreira case, completely little question. But that is it, I’m not going to discuss referees anymore.”

Xavi’s comments come just 24 hours after he accused Real Madrid TV of “influencing the competitors each week” by broadcasting videos highlighting refereeing mistakes before and after games this season.

That prompted Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to say he would not sink to Barça’s level after the Blaugrana president Joan Laporta also said Real Madrid “should not behaving nicely” in an interview on Friday.

“I’ve a great relationship with Ancelotti,” Xavi responded. “This will not be to do with him. I’ve full respect for Ancelotti.”

Roque’s expulsion took the shine away from what should have been another encouraging performance from the Brazilian, who scored his first goal for Barça in the 1-0 midweek win over Osasuna.

The 18-year old came on in the 59th minute, cooly scored Barça’s third goal in the 63rd minute, was booked in the 67th minute and then sent off in the 72nd minute for a supposed foul on Rafa Marín. VAR cannot intervene to overturn yellow card offences.

Barça had earlier led 2-0 thanks to two good team moves culminating in goals for Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan.

Striker Samu Omorodion had briefly got the home side back in the game, but Roque’s goal sealed the points for Barça and moved them within seven of leaders Madrid, who play Atlético Madrid on Sunday.

“It’s at all times optimistic to win,” added Xavi, who announced last weekend he will step down at the end of the season. “After my choice, that is back-to-back wins, so there’s the crew’s response for you.

“Alavés had chances, but we were clinical, which is what we have lacked this season. We were good with and without the ball and it is a result that strengthens us in the fight [for LaLiga].”

Xavi additionally praised the shows of Andreas Christensen, who stepped up from defence to play on the base of the midfield, and teenager Lamine Yamal, who as soon as once more impressed on the correct wing.

“Lamine is a brutal talent,” Xavi mentioned. “Very few players appear with his quality. He has it all, plus he works hard for the team, battles, helps the fullback and is humble.

“He is simply 16, however he’s brutal pure expertise. We are within the face of one thing particular.”