Real Madrid president attacks Barcelona over Negreira issue – “It’s not normal” | OneFootball

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez used the club’s Ordinary General Assembly on Sunday to fire shots at Barcelona, directly linking the club’s payments in the Negreira case.

He also highlighted suspicious statistical anomalies in Spanish refereeing. while criticising LaLiga and its president, Javier Tebas, over the proposed Miami match.

Perez on Barcelona over Negreira case

Perez focused his initial criticism on Barcelona’s payments to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of the referees’ association, arguing that the payments corrupted the sport’s integrity.

“It’s not normal that Barcelona paid the vice president of the referees’ association more than 8 million euros for at least 17 years.

Whatever the reason. The vice president of referees, who held important positions. A period that, coincidentally, coincides with Barcelona’s best results in our country,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).

The President then presented specific data regarding expulsions to demonstrate the disparity in officiating between the two clubs during that era.

“We can all agree that expulsions involve the greatest degree of subjectivity. Well, look. Real Madrid had a net balance, in the 21st century, of two expulsions against them.

Florentino Perez did not hold back against Barcelona. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“And Barcelona, ​​with 61 expulsions in their favour. That’s a difference of no less than 59. The balance of expulsions during Negreira’s time in charge, Barcelona’s balance was +49, and Real Madrid’s was -1. Draw your own conclusions,” he added.

Criticism of Spanish Refereeing and LaLiga

Perez extended his criticism beyond Barcelona, lambasting the overall quality of Spanish officiating and the perceived hostility toward Real Madrid.

He pointed to the lack of Spanish referees selected for the recent Club World Cup as evidence of the low quality.

“The level of Spanish refereeing is also unacceptable. It’s a disgrace that FIFA didn’t select a single Spanish referee for the recent Club World Cup,” he said.

Interestingly, though, Real Madrid have been the most beneficial team in Europe when it comes to penalties this season, with a total of nine penalties won across all competitions.

Perez also attacked LaLiga President Javier Tebas for promoting the failed Villarreal-Barcelona match in Miami and comparing it to the recent NFL game held at the Bernabeu.

“It’s not normal for the president of LaLiga to promote a match outside of Spain. Even their captain, Frenkie de Jong, doesn’t seem to think it’s normal.

“And it’s also not normal for LaLiga to support two teams, Barcelona and Villarreal, having access to extra financial incentives for playing in Miami. And yet we have to listen to Mr Tebas trying to justify this by comparing it to an NFL game,” he concluded.