"They want to destroy us” - Barcelona president Joan Laporta fires back at critics following Negreira case and corruption claims

Barcelona's links with former referee and vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira continue to hog the headlines. They were reignited last month when the president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, stated that the club could be sanctioned despite the charges being dropped.

There had been no evidence against Barcelona and the charges had been dropped. However, Tebas speculated that charges of 'sports corruption' could be levied against the Blaugrana. This has incensed the club chairman Joan Laporta, who lashed out at Barcelona's critics on Saturday, October 19.

Speaking at the FC Barcelona Ordinary General Assembly, Laporta mentioned that the club is trying hard not to show any kind of weakness at all. In a positive update, he mentioned that they were winning the Negreira case despite the entire world seemingly against them.

"We are fighting against everything and everyone. Against people who resort to the Negreira case at all times, a case that we are winning in court. Every time we do well, it comes back. We cannot show weakness, the cavern wants to destroy us but we are brave and strong. They are angry because we won," Laporta said.

Barcelona are the leaders of LaLiga 2024-25

Barcelona are doing extremely well in the La Liga standings at the moment, and are perched upon the pole position. They have 24 points inside their kitty but arch-rivals Real Madrid are closely shadowing them with 21 points of their own. Barca will have to maintain consistency throughout the season to usurp the title from Madrid.

The two clubs are expected to fight it out with each other for the title this season, and one expects both their campaigns to be filled with sparks. Barcelona are back in action after the international break on Sunday, October 20, when they take on Sevilla at home.

Robert Lewandowski's good form up front has given a lot of stability to Barca. The likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have thrived off the experience and confidence Lewandowski has provided them with. Head coach Hansi Flick will be pleased with the way the season is going for Barcelona.