Joan Laporta joins the controversy and points at Gil Manzano: 'If he isn't, he looks like it'

After what happened in the Barça-Girona and Getafe-Real Madrid matches, the refereeing group is once again taking center stage. In Barça's case, Hansi Flick ended up being sent off with a second yellow card and won't be able to be on the bench during El Clásico. Meanwhile, Real Madrid benefited from Munuera Montero's decisions at the Coliseum and will face their eternal rival as LaLiga leaders.

The atmosphere is more heated than ever, and refereeing controversies only fuel the debate. For months, mistakes in referees' decisions have shaped the course of the competition. In such a sensitive context, every gesture or mistake is taken to the extreme.

Moreover, memories of the Negreira Case are still very present. After years of scandals and suspicions, every refereeing action involving FC Barcelona is scrutinized. Under that media and sporting pressure, Joan Laporta has decided to take action and respond forcefully to what he considers unfair treatment toward the Catalan club.

Joan Laporta speaks openly about Gil Manzano

The Barça president took advantage of the Assembly held this Sunday to address the hottest topics in Barça's current affairs. In his speech, Joan Laporta didn't avoid the subject and pointed directly at referee Gil Manzano, who officiated the match against Girona.

"Gil Manzano has sent off almost all our standout players. He has a résumé that you just have to look at. It always happens, especially before such an important match," Joan Laporta said in an annoyed tone.

Joan Laporta went further and left a remark that's already making the rounds across the country. "If there's not a white hand behind it, it sure looks like it," he added, clearly referring to Real Madrid. This veiled accusation has inflamed tempers and will undoubtedly set the tone for the lead-up to El Clásico on October 26.

Joan Laporta will try to have Hansi Flick at El Clásico

Joan Laporta also confirmed during his address that the club has filed a formal appeal against the two yellow cards shown to Hansi Flick. "We've appealed both cautions. I told Flick that we're with him; I didn't like Gil Manzano's attitude," the top Barça official explained.

Meanwhile, from Real Madrid's camp, they avoid responding directly to Joan Laporta's statements. However, the tension ahead of El Clásico is evident, and every word from the Barça president seems to increase the pressure on the refereeing establishment.

Joan Laporta has decided to send a clear message: Barça won't remain silent in the face of what he considers a pattern of harmful refereeing decisions. His phrase, "If there's not a white hand behind it, it sure looks like it," perfectly sums up the climate of distrust surrounding LaLiga. El Clásico is just around the corner and both teams are on edge.