President of Barcelona Football Club, Joan Laporta, spoke with resolve about the events at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. He described the Real Madrid-Almería match as marked by pressure on refereeing staff and called for the arbitration group to answer a series of perceived pressures that, in his view, affected officiating during the game.
“What happened at the Bernabéu was shameful. The arbitration team must respond to the mounting pressures they face,” Laporta stated during the launch of an issue of the newspaper Mundo Deportivo earlier this week. He emphasized concerns about recurring refereeing decisions that have troubled the season and warned that a lack of clarity could disrupt the duties of officials, potentially influencing match outcomes.
Almería shouted at the referees at the Bernabéu: “They robbed us today”
The conversation did not dwell solely on controversial decisions. The focus was also on the team’s recent performance, with Laporta praising a hard-fought victory achieved at Benito Villamarín. He described the match as very intense and highlighted the growth the squad has shown. The president noted that the club has become stronger, more cohesive, and better aligned in its objectives. He added that the ideal result this season is to secure rewards through consistency and fair play, rather than relying on disputed refereeing decisions. He stressed that the squad’s performance did not hinge on any VAR arbitration re-evaluation, underscoring the importance of earning points on the field.
In his broader assessment, Laporta pointed to a clear sense of unity within the team. He spoke about reinforcing the dressing room’s harmony and mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of players returning from injuries, including key contributors who are nearing full fitness. The president conveyed confidence in the squad’s depth and quality, expressing optimism about continuing to compete across all competitions. He affirmed that the club would keep training hard, competing daily, and striving to succeed in every fixture, while recognizing that success may hinge on consistent effort and collective discipline rather than the outcome of a single refereeing decision.
VAR contributes to Real Madrid’s late comeback against a lower-ranked Almería
The discussion also touched on how the team adapts to evolving match situations, including the impact of technology in officiating. Laporta spoke about the balance between tactical preparation and the realities of top-tier football, noting that the squad must remain focused on daily improvement. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong team spirit, trusting that continued hard work would yield results. The overarching message was one of resilience and sustained effort, with a clear belief that consistent performance would translate into favorable outcomes across the season. The remarks reflect a leadership approach that prioritizes accountability, unity, and the pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)”