Joan Laporta intensified his criticism of refereeing, even threatening to reveal the names of the referees who, in his opinion, have harmed the Catalan club. During a campaign event for the Barcelona presidential elections this Wednesday, Laporta did not spare Real Madrid, accusing some of their players of diving. "There are certain referees who, when they officiate our matches, screw us over. Sorry for the expression, but that's how it is. It's a recurring theme and a constant. It's a reality. I could name them all," Laporta stated, alleging the existence of a double standard. "In similar plays, they have been able to whistle the opposite to harm Barça. It's something outrageous," he added. Laporta took the opportunity to also criticize Real Madrid, implying that they receive favoritism. "When we are in a less favorable phase, they try to take advantage and crush us. And when others are in a less favorable phase, they help them. They have learned to swim and dive into the pool wonderfully. We know we have to fight against all of this as well," he declared. The official said that Barcelona fights "against everything and everyone" and that the only way to stop the team is through extraneous means. "We have a team that can aspire to almost everything and face all possible adversities. The best way to confront this dysfunction and intentionality is to be better, play better, have a better team, and overcome this adversity," he defended. Finally, in a more campaign-focused action, Laporta reiterated that Lionel Messi will always have the doors of the club open, on the same day that another pre-candidate, Marc Ciria, used the image of the Argentine star in a campaign action. "Just like Kubala and Cruyff, Messi deserves a statue and a tribute. He has a contract until 2028 and then we'll see," Laporta concluded.
Joan Laporta Barcelona remains central to this story.
Joan Laporta Barcelona remains central to this story.
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