23 January 2024 , 09:22
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta slammed Real Madrid ’s comeback win against Almeria as a “disgrace” after a number of questionable refereeing decisions.
Los Blancos found themselves 2-0 down to La Liga ’s basement side on Sunday at the Bernabeu. A Jude Bellingham penalty and a Vinicius Jr penalty hauled them level. Carlo Ancelotti ’s side then snatched victory deep into stoppage time through right-back Dani Carvajal. However, many were left questioning the referee after the game.
Bellingham’s penalty was only granted upon a VAR review, while Almeria also had a third goal ruled out following a controversial review. Vinicius Jr’s equaliser was also initially ruled out, only to eventually be awarded by VAR, while the Brazilian was probably fortunate to avoid a red card.
Real’s title rivals Barcelona have been left fuming by the officiating. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Catalan president Laporta said: “What happened (in Madrid) was a disgrace.
“The refereeing collective has to respond to the pressures that are occurring this season. If they don’t do it, it will leave us very uneasy because it is a neglection of duties.”
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Real’s dramatic late victory leaves them second in La Liga and just one point adrift of current leaders Girona with a game in hand. Barcelona are seven points further behind.
Real Madrid came from behind to beat Almeria at the weekend (Getty Images)Will Barcelona win La Liga? Share your predictions in the comments below
Laporta has further claimed that his side have been unable to reel in their rivals due to the performance of referees this season. He added: “We, for our part, are happy to win.
“Every day we are stronger. Due to referee decisions we have not been able to cut points. I am optimistic this season. The team improves and is united.
“We have players of excellent quality; I am very optimistic, we will have our reward and the rest of the rivals will stumble like we did. What we are doing is working day by day to win all the competitions.”
Laporta was not the only one left furious with the controversial decisions at the weekend. Almeria defender Gonzalo Melero claimed his side had been robbed at the Bernabeu.
Speaking after the game, he said: “We leave with the feeling that the game was stolen from us. The penalty, the goal with the hand, the gesture, the goal disallowed for a struggle.
“If we want to be the best league in the world, as is being said a lot… we are light years away. And it’s hard for me to say it, and it p***** me off, but it’s just that there’s no way to take it.
“There have been several this year, if you don’t complain, they don’t help you. But today’s situation goes beyond all limits. It’s a real blast. Spanish football is now light years away from the Premier League, that’s the reality.”