Rayo Vallecano Was Severely Affected, and Real Madrid’s Penalty Was Exaggerated

Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona, expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing in the recent match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, affirming that the visiting team was clearly disadvantaged by the course of the match.

Laporta said: ‘It was a match where two Rayo Vallecano players were sent off, the match was extended by ten additional minutes while the score was tied, and then a penalty was awarded in the last minute, and penalties are always debatable.’

The Barcelona president explained that he is speaking from his perspective as a football fan, stating: ‘There are penalties I would not have awarded because, in my opinion, they are not correct. The defender poorly touches the ball, loses balance, raises his foot, and does not kick the attacker to bring him down, and I think the decision was exaggerated.’

Despite acknowledging the referee’s right to make decisions at their discretion, Laporta emphasized his stance, explaining: ‘From a football fan’s point of view, I see such penalties as exaggerated and they should not have been awarded.’

He added: ‘I say this in a constructive spirit, as sometimes such decisions also happen in our favor, and I will acknowledge that in the same way.’

Laporta also indirectly criticized Real Madrid’s channel, without naming it, saying: ‘It is strange that a club with a television channel dedicated to talking about irrelevant matters, constantly says that referees harm it.’

The Barcelona president concluded his remarks with sarcasm, saying: ‘What does that famous channel that claims all referees are unjust to their team say now? They haven’t analyzed any of this, and they need to reassess themselves.’