Barcelona President Laporta Diagnoses Real Madrid with “Barcelona-itis” in Fiery Accusation

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly accused Real Madrid of suffering from “Barcelona-itis.” He made the claim during a recent press conference. The accusation defines the condition as an unhealthy obsession with the Catalan club.

Laporta’s comments come as a direct response to remarks made by his Madrid counterpart, Florentino Pérez. Pérez had again referenced the ongoing “Negreira Case” investigation. This formal probe involves payments Barcelona made to a former refereeing official.

Clubs Trade Accusations of Referee Influence

The long-standing rivalry has intensified with new allegations. According to Reuters, Laporta stated Real Madrid is “constantly present” in the legal proceedings. He insists the “Negreira Case” is being dragged out despite having no substance.

Laporta vehemently denied that Barcelona ever bribed referees. He then turned the accusation back on Madrid. He claimed referees have historically favored Real Madrid, not Barcelona.

He cited Madrid’s recent 2-2 draw with Elche as proof. Laporta argued two controversial Madrid goals should have been disallowed. He believes Barcelona would now lead La Liga if those decisions were corrected.

A Deeper Rivalry Rooted in a Golden Era

The core of the dispute appears to be Barcelona’s period of dominance. Laporta suggested Madrid has a “persecution complex” about Barça’s success between 2004 and 2015. This era saw Barcelona win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.

Pérez had previously claimed the Negreira payments contributed to Barcelona’s “best sporting results.” Laporta dismissed this as an excuse for Madrid’s own shortcomings during that time. He highlighted that Barcelona’s style of play was globally admired.

The exchange underscores the deep-seated tensions between Spain’s two football giants. This public war of words adds another chapter to their historic rivalry. The focus now shifts to their next encounter on the pitch.

The public diagnosis of “Barcelona-itis” reveals the intense psychological battle fueling this historic rivalry. This war of words between presidents shows no sign of ending soon.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the “Negreira Case”?

It is a formal investigation into payments Barcelona made to a former vice-president of Spain’s refereeing committee. The case covers alleged payments totaling millions of dollars over a period of 17 years.

What did Florentino Pérez say about Barcelona?

Pérez referenced the Negreira Case at Madrid’s general assembly. He suggested the payments were linked to Barcelona’s best sporting results, a claim Laporta strongly denies.

How did Laporta respond to the accusations?

Laporta accused Real Madrid of having an “obsession” with Barcelona. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed referees have always favored Madrid throughout history.

What was the specific match Laporta complained about?

Laporta pointed to Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Elche. He argued two Madrid goals involved a handball and a foul on the goalkeeper, and neither should have stood.

What is “Barcelona-itis”?

It is a term coined by Laporta to describe Real Madrid’s alleged fixation on Barcelona. He defines it as a condition that emerges when Barcelona is particularly successful.