Barcelona president accuses Real Madrid of using referee claims to mask trophy drought
The Catalan club’s leader warns that Barcelona will react if Real Madrid continues to use the club to cover up its lack of silverware.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched a sharp rebuke against Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez, characterising the latter’s recent criticisms of match officials as a calculated diversion. Speaking at the Koeman Cup, Laporta accused Perez of attempting to use Barcelona to distract from Real Madrid’s two-year period without winning a major trophy.
Laporta addressed reports that Perez claimed seven league titles had been stolen from Real Madrid, describing the assertion as a falsehood spread in a “grotesque way.” He argued that the comments were not genuine grievances but a strategic move to shift focus away from the capital club’s current trophy drought.
“I think it was farcical, but it was strategic,” Laporta told reporters. “The one I told you about… it was meant to divert attention from two years without winning anything, and this has them very worried.”
The Barcelona president suggested that Real Madrid is struggling to justify its recent lack of success. “Somehow they have to justify the unjustifiable, and the best way is to stir up trouble and throw everything at Barcelona,” he said.
Laporta affirmed that Barcelona would respond if such tactics persisted, though he noted he maintains a level of respect for Perez provided the club is not used to cover up internal problems. “As long as they don’t use Barça to cover up their problems, I respect him. When they use Barça, we react,” he stated.
The public exchange occurs as both clubs approach the conclusion of their league seasons. Barcelona is set to wrap up their campaign against Valencia, while Real Madrid will host Athletic Club.
