FC Barcelona’s anger over the refereeing is no secret. The latest controversy revolves around the expulsion of Vitor Roque in what was the victory against Alavés for LaLiga, described as a “flagrant error” by coach Xavi after the match.
Tigrinho went to dispute a ball with defender Rafa Marín, who suffered a blow to his knee after the play. The referee showed him a yellow card, the second in about five minutes, which led to the expulsion of the Brazilian forward.
“We will appeal it. It is a normal action of the game,” Deco, Barça sports director, revealed today in an interview with the Catalan media La Vanguardia. Vitor Roque has just scored his first two goals in the last two games and his presence seems vital in the face of injuries like that of Ferran Torres.
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Deco: “They killed Vitor Roque before he started playing”
On the other hand, Deco defended the investment made by hiring the former Athletico Paranaense forward, especially in the face of some criticism from the local press. “I think they killed the young man before he started playing,” said the Portuguese.
“Liverpool bought Darwin Núñez two years ago from Benfica for 90 million, Newcastle paid 70 for Isak. The price analysis should be done in some time, but it hasn’t been paid crazy. There are 30 million and the other sums depend on their performance. I hope we pay them,” he said.
In third place in LaLiga after the tie between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona returns to the field next Sunday at home against Granada. The February 21 duel against Napoli for the round of 16 of the Champions League is approaching on the calendar.
