SUMMARY
- Xavi believes the referee favours Real Madrid.
- The ex-Barcelona player said Real Madrid is constantly trying to influence officials, making the league unfair.
After announcing his departure from FC Barcelona at the end of the current season, Xavi Hernandez has yet again made the headlines. The Spanish manager has made allegations about Real Madrid getting the best of referees during the games.
The former FC Barcelona midfielder stated that Real Madrid is trying to influence officials every week to get the best results. He further stated that the actions are eventually making the league adulterated. He said, “I don’t like that they are influencing referees, and they are doing it every week. I think it adulterates the competition a bit.”
The revelation comes following the recent content coming from Real Madrid’s TV channel. The channel is reportedly broadcasting controversial content related to referees, which has triggered a few brigades. In 2023, Barcelona and some of its former directors were charged with bribery after reportedly making payments to a former Spanish refereeing chief, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez attacked Real Madrid TV for “conditioning” referees in Spain and claimed that competitions in the country are “adulterated’.https://t.co/VpvIHm3HWf pic.twitter.com/GaoSgnUXMj
— Forbes SportsMoney (@ForbesSports) February 2, 2024
However, the Catalan club was in complete denial that their payments of over $10 million were an attempt to influence refereeing. Keeping in mind that, Xavi further added, “The Negreira topic has not helped us at all, and that’s a reality—and this is how we have to compete.”
Not only Xavi, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta also criticized Real Madrid for their action. Laporta was full of criticism regarding the refereeing standards of a recent game where Real Madrid played against Almeria. The match saw a controversial VAR decision go the way of Real Madrid, who won the contest after being 2-0 down in the first half.
Xavi took stands with Diego Simeone against Real Madrid.
Xavi joined hands with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone during a recent interview. The Spanish manager made mention of Simeone while referring to his decisions towards Real Madrid. He said, “Diego Simeone said it, no? We are not stupid. The world sees it.”
Last week, Simeone was quick to react in an interview relating to the credibility of VAR in the league. According to Simeone, many clubs and their managers don’t get enough respect from the VAR officials.
🎙️ Xavi: “VAR controversies with Real Madrid? Cholo Simeone said it, did he not? We are not stupid, everyone sees it. Even a blind man sees it.” pic.twitter.com/0rci5jWgaL
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 2, 2024
He said, “The referees go through a moment of pressure; the VAR improves them but exposes them too. Then we can discuss whether the audios are good; the issue is not whether they leak them, but what happens in them. They think we are all stupid, and that makes us angry.”
Simeone has had several encounters with referees over the years, and most recently, he criticized officials in the press after Angel Correa was sent off in the Madrid derby in February 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti favors Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was in full support of Xavi Hernandez’s decision to leave FC Barcelona after the season ends. Leading up to the match against Getafe, which Real Madrid won 2-0 on Thursday, January 1, Ancelloti was asked to give a stance on Xavi’s decision.
🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “Xavi? I expected it. I have a lot of respect for Xavi and all my colleagues. I understand the decision.” pic.twitter.com/AACUoKfwMO
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 31, 2024
The Italian manager was in full respect of Xavi’s decision, as he said, “Like I said, I respect his decisions and his thoughts. That’s it; what I don’t want are comparisons.”
After joining Barcelona back in November 2021, Xavi showed character with his side. However, his recent results have forced his exit when the season ends.