Xavi Saddened to Hear Chants by Fans Calling for Barcelona’s Relegation Amid Refereeing Scandal

• Xavi has expressed his surprise at Athletico Bilbao supporters calling for Barcelona to be relegated
• Barcelona have been accused of paying around €7million to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira’s between 2001 and 2018
• Prosecutors will pursue legal action against the Catalans and the club could face sanctions if found guilty

Barcelona faced a hostile atmosphere by Athletico Bilbao supporters at the San Mames Barria during their La Liga clash on Sunday, March 13.

The Catalans had grabbed a hard-fought 1-0 win against their hosts, but the game was marred by supporters who chanted for Barcelona to be relegated following their refereeing scandal.

According to Sportskeeda, Barcelona manager, Xavi revealed after the game he was saddened by the reaction from Bilbao fans as he claims the Catalans are being judged even before they’re found guilty.

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“I was surprised at the hostile atmosphere towards Barca. It was sad to see. [Barca] are being judged before time, which I don't think is good for society. Everyone is free to [air their opinion], and I respect all opinions, whether I agree with them or not, but it made me sad.”

Barcelona has been charged by Spanish prosecutors for paying around €7million to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira’s company between 2001 and 2018 while he was the vice president of Spain’s referees’ committee.

Laporta assures Barca fans of club’s innocence

Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has assured the club's fans worldwide that the Catalans are innocent of all allegations made against them, Vanguard reports.

Laporta made the claim on Twitter following corruption allegations levelled against Barcelona over payments made to refereeing committees in Spain.

Barcelona’s ex-presidents, Sandro Rosell, and Josep Maria Bartomeu allegedly paid the former refereeing committee chief Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira over €2.9m between 2014 and 2018 which led to the accusations of sports corruption and unfair administration being made.

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Supporters stage protest against Barcelona

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona are at the centre of allegations that they paid the former vice-president of the Referee’s Committee, and their fellow La Liga clubs are not happy about it.

Athletic Club Bilbao’s supporters were the latest to voice their unhappiness at the allegations and made their feelings known during their side’s clash with Barcelona.

At the half-hour mark, Bilbao fans threw fake money from the stands onto the pitch as a mark of protest against the Catalan club.