‘Certain referees screw us over’ – Joan Laporta hits out after Barcelona defeats

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched an extraordinary attack on Spanish match officials, claiming “certain referees” repeatedly target the club with decisions that “screw us over” and insisting the pattern of calls against his team is “blatant.”

Speaking after back-to-back defeats in which VAR interventions and last-gasp goals proved pivotal, Laporta told reporters the officiating is part of a wider campaign to undermine the Catalans’ resurgence under coach Hansi Flick. An eight-minute VAR stoppage preceded the loss to Atlético Madrid, while Girona’s late winner stood despite what Laporta described as a clear foul on defender Jules Koundé.

“There are certain referees who, when they officiate our games, screw us over. Excuse my language, but it’s true,” Laporta said. “It’s a recurring issue, a constant problem. It’s a reality. I could name them all.”

The Barça chief, who is actively campaigning for re-election next month, argued that identical situations are judged differently when his club is involved. “This hasn’t happened just once, but many times. In identical plays, they’ve been able to call the wrong thing to harm Barça. It’s blatant.”

Laporta framed the perceived bias as an institutional struggle, asserting that rivals cannot halt Barcelona’s progress on the pitch and therefore resort to other means. “We are defending Barça against everything and everyone. Against people who simply can’t accept who we are and what we represent. They can’t stand what we are achieving with our team.”

He also took aim at Real Madrid, suggesting the capital club benefits from preferential treatment. “When we’re down, they try to take advantage and crush us. And when others are down, they help them. They’ve learned to swim and they dive in like a pro. We know we have to fight against all that too.”

Despite the controversy, Laporta urged the squad to channel its frustration into improved performances. “The best way to deal with this dysfunction and its intentions is to be better and play better, to have a better team and overcome this adversity.”

Barcelona return to La Liga action on Sunday against Levante, while Real Madrid visit Osasuna on Saturday. Laporta’s comments ensure the spotlight will remain as much on the officials as on the players when the ball rolls again.