FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta reignited the debate between the two giants of Spanish football by stating this Friday in Andorra that Florentino Perez's words during the Real Madrid assembly reflect “Real Madrid's Barcelonitis.”

Laporta traveled to the Principality to participate in the unveiling of a sculpture and maintain A meeting with club members and fans as part of the book launch for “Principat Blaugrana,” by journalist Alex Teres. There, without having previously responded publicly, he decided to reply to the Real Madrid president regarding his insinuations about the Negreira Case.

“They’re out of line”: Laporta responds to Perez

Florentino Perez had suggested that part of Barcelona’s historical success was explained by payments related to the Negreira Case. Laporta was quick to respond:

“The statements are out of line. They reveal Real Madrid's obsession with Barcelona. It seems they always have to talk about Barca to justify who knows what.”

The Barca president asserted that Real Madrid is “very much present” in the legal proceedings and that their insistence stems from political rather than sporting reasons. According to Laporta, the case is being “stretched like chewing gum” despite the fact that “there is nothing to incriminate Barca.”

Refereeing criticisms and recent examples

Laporta also used what happened in the last matchday to reinforce his message, mentioning two controversial plays that favored Real Madrid in the draw against Elche.

“Bellingham clearly handled the ball on one of the goals, and on the other, Vinicius practically broke Inaki Pena's nose. Those goals shouldn't have stood.” With that, Barca would be in first place.”

The Barca president reiterated that Barcelona “has never bought referees,” and that historically, those who have benefited from refereeing decisions are Real Madrid.

“They can’t stand Barca’s best era.”

Laporta firmly defended the golden age of the Blaugrana club,asserting that Real Madrid has an obsession with discrediting the period between 2004 and 2015.

“They have a persecution complex against the best period in Barca's history. They didn't like that we were the world's benchmark, the most admired team for how we played.”