Joan Laporta has issued a forceful rebuttal to Florentino Perez's claims surrounding the Negreira case, describing the Real Madrid president's recent press conference as "grotesque" and strategically designed to mask Los Blancos' poor trophy haul. Speaking during his re-election candidacy announcement, Laporta rejected Perez's assertion that Barcelona's refereeing controversy had cost Madrid titles, instead suggesting the capital club is deflecting from two seasons without silverware.
The Barcelona president pulled no punches when assessing Perez's public statements. "I think it was grotesque, but it had a strategy," Laporta told reporters, as quoted by Marca. "It was meant to divert attention from two years without winning anything, and this has them very worried. They have to justify the unjustifiable somehow, and the best way is to stir up trouble and throw everything at Barcelona." Laporta made clear that while he respects Perez personally, any attempt to weaponise Barcelona as a smokescreen for Madrid's failures would provoke a response from the Catalan club.
Tensions Reach Breaking Point
The conflict between Spain's two most successful clubs has escalated sharply, with Perez previously declaring the relationship "completely broken." Laporta confirmed this deterioration, signalling Barcelona would defend itself aggressively against what he termed false accusations. The vice-president Yuste had already issued a public statement condemning Madrid's approach, which Laporta endorsed.
The Negreira investigation—centred on allegations of improper payments to a former refereeing official—has become a flashpoint in one of football's fiercest rivalries. Real Madrid has suggested Barcelona gained unfair competitive advantage, a claim the Catalan club categorically denies. With both sides now trading public accusations, the dispute shows no signs of cooling, and both institutions face mounting pressure from football authorities examining the case. The row threatens to overshadow on-pitch competition as La Liga's top two clubs navigate an increasingly fractious relationship.
