Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez launched a surprising verbal assault on La Liga president Javier Tebas, characterising the current state of the league as a disgrace.
Xavi’s outburst came in the aftermath of Barcelona’s lacklustre goalless draw against Getafe in the league’s opening fixture.
The match saw three red cards issued by the referee, a situation that greatly infuriated Xavi and led to his aggressive response.
The referee, Cesar Soto Grado, allowed Getafe to employ a rugged and frequently aggressive playing style, which disrupted the flow of the game and left both players and spectators disconcerted.
A potential late penalty for Barcelona was denied due to a controversial handball incident involving Gavi.
This decision intensified Xavi’s frustration, ultimately leading to his expulsion for dissent.
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. 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.”
Xavi’s dismissal from the touchline could result in him being sidelined for a minimum of the next two matches.
However, due to his post-match tirade, it’s possible that his absence from the pitchside might extend to a range of five to ten games, considering La Liga president Tebas’ track record of not tolerating criticism.
The absence of key players in crucial positions is already posing challenges for the Blaugrana, and the impending suspensions of both Raphinha and coach Xavi are expected to exacerbate the situation.
Xavi’s outspoken criticism directed towards the La Liga president and the match officials might lead to a prolonged suspension.