Barcelona forward offers blunt response to Real Madrid’s referee protests – ‘It’s going to be like that’ | OneFootball

In a week where football has taken a backseat to refereeing debates, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has shared his thoughts in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

The discussion around officiating has intensified following Real Madrid’s strongly worded four-page letter criticising the refereeing system.

When asked how this was received in the Barcelona dressing room, Yamal made it clear that the players are not paying attention to external noise.

“The truth is that we don’t talk about it. We’re in a good moment, we’re thinking about ourselves, that we have to keep winning,” he began saying.

Real Madrid’s fight against the system

Lamine Yamal said decisions have went against Barcelona too. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With debates over refereeing decisions dominating headlines, many have speculated whether officials are favouring Barcelona while disadvantaging Real Madrid.

Yamal dismissed such claims, pointing out that earlier in the season, when Barcelona were six points behind, questionable decisions also went against them.

He recalled an incident involving Jules Kounde during a match against Getafe, where a penalty was not awarded in Barcelona’s favour.

“When we were six points behind, I remember the penalty on Jules Kounde at Getafe, which they didn’t call, and then yesterday they did call that penalty on Inigo,” he added.

He suggested that refereeing inconsistencies are not exclusive to any particular club, as similar discussions arose when Madrid benefitted from calls in the Copa del Rey, only for complaints to surface later regarding decisions in their match against Osasuna.

“In the Copa del Rey, the referees first favoured Madrid, and then against Osasuna, they say they were against them. It’s going to be like that every matchday.”

Asking not to complain

The Barcelona forward said the teams should not complain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

According to Yamal, these controversies will always exist, with fans and clubs alike finding reasons to question referees’ calls every matchday.

“I don’t think we can complain, Madrid, Barça and Atletico. I think the referees try to do their best. There isn’t as much talk about games like the one against Alaves and Leganes, and there are probably more controversial actions.”

Ultimately, he said that officiating is never perfect, and there will always be disagreements. From Barcelona’s perspective, the team remains satisfied and focused on their ambitions rather than engaging in discussions about refereeing decisions.

“The referees try to do their best. It’s a very difficult job because someone will always complain. We are very happy,” he added about the issue.