Barcelona’s Joan Garcia Rejects Pérez’s Refereeing Claims as Row Deepens
The goalkeeper’s stance signals Barcelona’s broader pushback in a dispute that could shift from press rooms to formal complaints.
Overview
- Garcia, in comments published Tuesday by EFE and relayed by MARCA, said anyone who watched LaLiga knows Florentino Pérez’s claims are not true.
- Pérez last week alleged referees cost Real Madrid about 16 to 18 points this season and said titles had been stolen in the wider Negreira payments controversy.
- Barcelona issued an official statement saying it is studying legal action, and interim president Rafa Yuste and players have publicly countered Pérez’s remarks.
- Pérez later told El Chiringuito that ties with Barcelona are completely broken and said he will send years of documentation to UEFA, citing support to proceed.
- Garcia’s rebuttal comes after a breakout first season that included LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup wins, and he said the young squad still needs Champions League experience.