Freixa goes nuclear on refs: 'Should take these shameless lot to court'
Former Barcelona director Toni Freixa launches extraordinary attack on La Liga officials after controversial defeat to Girona, claiming they should face legal action.
Former Barcelona director loses the plot following controversial derby defeat, suggesting legal action against officials while still backing his team for the title.
Freixa’s explosive rant
Toni Freixa has absolutely lost his rag with Spanish officials following Barcelona’s defeat to Girona, launching an extraordinary tirade that makes most manager meltdowns look tame in comparison.
The former Barcelona director didn’t hold back on social media platform X, calling the referees “shameless” and suggesting they should face legal action. Talk about throwing your toys out the pram!
“We’ll take them to court. But first we’ll win this league,” Freixa declared in a statement that’s bound to land him in hot water with the Spanish football authorities.
Derby day controversy
The source of Barcelona’s frustration stems from Girona’s winning goal in their 2-1 victory, with claims of a foul on Jules Koundé by Echeverri in the build-up that went unpunished by referee Soto Grado.
The defeat marks Barcelona’s second consecutive loss in a matter of days, putting a serious dent in their title aspirations. Not exactly what new gaffer Hansi Flick would have been hoping for.
To be fair to Freixa, he did acknowledge Barcelona’s poor performance before going on his referee rant, admitting: “We didn’t play well at all” and even congratulating Girona on their victory and performance.
Widespread frustration
Freixa wasn’t alone in his criticism of the officiating. Post-match reactions from:
- Hansi Flick - Made his feelings clear about the referee’s decisions
- Joan García - Joined the chorus of complaints
- Gerard Martín - Also voiced frustration about the officiating
All focused particularly on the controversial winning goal that gave Girona all three points at Montilivi.
While it’s not unusual for clubs to question refereeing decisions, suggesting legal action takes things to another dimension entirely. One thing’s for certain - the Barcelona brass aren’t happy with the men in black, and they’re making sure everyone knows about it.