Xavi, the ever passionate Barcelona coach, has strongly criticized their La Liga clash against Getafe, deeming it a source of great embarrassment following an intense 0-0 draw game.
Xavi walking off after Red card in Getafe vs Barcelona
The match ended with a controversial decision denying Barcelona a penalty for an alleged handball that Xavi claims was fabricated.
In the 103rd minute of the season opener, a promising opportunity for Barcelona to secure a penalty arose after right-back Ronald Araujo was tripped inside the penalty area.
Referee Casar Soto Grado initially declined the penalty but, following a VAR review urged by on-field monitors, observed that Barcelona midfielder Gavi had made contact with the ball using his arm during the build-up.
Much to Xavi and his team’s disbelief, Grado reversed his decision, awarding a free-kick to Getafe for the handball.
Xavi, visibly frustrated during the post-match press conference, criticized Grado’s call and voiced his frustration with La Liga’s handling of the situation.
Xavi, who himself received a red card in the heated match that saw both teams reduced to 10 players, expressed his dismay, stating:
“If this is the product that LaLiga sells, it’s a shame. It’s normal that people don’t want to watch football, because this hasn’t been a game. This is a complete shame. We need effective time in football. We’re making a fool of ourselves.”
Xavi contested the validity of the handball decision, suggesting it was unjustifiably imposed.
Xavi in the stand with fans
He revealed that a prior meeting had assured coaches that only blatant handballs would be penalized, and Gavi’s action did not meet this criterion.
Xavi questioned the efficacy of VAR and its role in supporting the game:
“They told us they would use VAR less and I don’t know if VAR is there to help or not. I don’t see the point of that meeting,” Xavi said.
Xavi highlighted his dismissal from the match, emphasizing that he had raised concerns with the referee about Getafe’s consistent fouls and the perceived disparity in treatment.
Xavi shared his understanding of the pre-match dialogue with referees, which aimed to facilitate better communication and manage on-field tension.
Despite these assurances, he lamented the disconnect between these intentions and the actual outcome.
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