The statements of Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez and his players were characterized by a sharp attack on the refereeing, as he and captain Ter Stegen considered that what happened in El Clásico against Real Madrid was a “disgrace.”
The referee canceled a controversial goal for Barcelona in the absence of “Hawk Eye” technology, which can detect whether the ball crossed the goal line in its entire circumference or not.
Stegen spoke after El Clásico, saying, “What happened is a disgrace to the football community. Why is there no goal-line technology? There is a lot of money in this industry, but it seems that it is not being used for the important thing.”
“All I can say is that what happened was truly shameful,” he continued.
As for Xavi, he said, “We were the better team today and we deserved to win. This is clear to everyone.”
He also added, “The referee did not make a single correct decision today. Everyone saw how the ball crossed the goal line. We cannot achieve La Liga or any title this way.”
He concluded, “It is an unfair result. We were better today and what happened was a shame. I will not talk more about the arbitration so as not to be exposed to penalties, but I am proud of the players.”
It is noteworthy that the victory raised the difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona to 11 points, just 6 rounds before the end of the Spanish League.