Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
This former Barcelona president has blamed the club for “the bad desicion” of delaying El Clasico after “placing politics ahead of a football match”.
Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta, 57, was critical of the recent decision to postpone the Barcelona Real Madrid Clasico match initially scheduled for 26th October in Barcelona.
He made the comments at the release of Barcelona-based triathlete Alex Roca’s new book.
Laporta was opposed to the decision saying: “I think the entities that govern football in Spain have wanted to magnify what is happening in Catalonia for political reasons.
“There were no exceptional circumstances for changing the date.”
When placing the blame, Laporta said: “Magnifying this has been a big mistake, especially on behalf of Barcelona as they have a lot of power to keep the date and guarantee security.
“These security elements in the Clasicos have always guaranteed security. Now they have added fuel to the fire.
“The fact the match was delayed is a provocation.”
Laporta went on to say: “I would have played on Saturday. Actually, Real Madrid also wanted to play 26th October. I do not see what the problem was.
“The club has made a mistake because it accepted criminalising a movement and placed politics ahead of a football match.”
Laporta also criticised the decision from a football standpoint saying: “It was in Barcelona’s interest to play El Clasico.
“Barcelona were very strong and could have maintained the date” and secured a win at home.
Laporte reiterated his point in saying: “From a sports standpoint, it alters La Liga because it was an ideal moment for a Barcelona-Madrid match.
“I think this decision does not benefit football in any way.”
Laporta was the president of Barcelona during some of the club’s most successful years between 2003 and 2010, winning La Liga four times and the Champions League twice.
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