Laporta urges respect as Real Madrid referee row rumbles on
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has moved to cool the latest refereeing row involving Real Madrid, insisting rivals are free to take their own approach provided they do not breach “respect and institutional harmony”.
Speaking at a board lunch before Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord, Laporta declined to escalate after Madrid’s complaints following their 1-0 defeat at Real Betis, their first loss of the season.
The controversy centred on Kylian Mbappe’s missed penalty. Madrid believed Betis defender Marc Bartra had entered the area too early and that the kick should have been ordered again. The Technical Committee of Referees later upheld the on-field decision, ruling that Bartra’s position was legal.
Jose Mourinho subsequently intensified Madrid’s objections, questioning VAR and suggesting officials had not correctly interpreted the laws. Laporta, however, drew a line without directly joining the argument.
“What others do is not a problem as long as they stay within respect and institutional harmony,” Laporta said. “They can do what they think is appropriate.”
Barcelona target every major prize
Laporta also voiced strong confidence in the squad built by sporting director Deco, describing Barcelona as highly competitive and equipped to challenge on every front.
He set out an ambitious list of objectives: a third straight league title, retaining Barcelona’s status as the leading Copa del Rey force, winning the Super Cup as a mid-season statement, and lifting the Champions League.
Hansi Flick’s side face Feyenoord in Europe before returning to league action away to Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia this weekend. Barcelona have won all four of their league matches so far and will look to preserve that perfect start.
