As the highly anticipated El Clásico draws near, pre-match tensions are escalating, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta launching a scathing criticism against Real Madrid TV for its alleged attempts to influence La Liga referees.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's monumental clash at the Bernabéu, Laporta did not mince words, stating, "Our opponent has created an atmosphere around the refereeing team that is out of place. With what their television network is doing, they’re influencing the referees; it’s a strategy for winning that shouldn’t exist." This direct accusation suggests a perceived campaign by Real Madrid to sway officiating decisions in their favor.

Laporta was resolute in asserting that Barcelona would not engage in similar tactics, nor would they "play the victim." Instead, the focus for the Catalan club remains squarely on their performance on the pitch and securing a victory through legitimate means. "In a Clásico, it’s the match of greatest rivalry, and the players want to give their all. I know our players are highly motivated; whoever plays, we’ll have a chance," he affirmed, expressing confidence in his team's ability to triumph at the Bernabéu, drawing parallels to past successes.

These comments from the Barcelona president add another layer of intrigue and intensity to an already fiercely contested rivalry, shifting some of the pre-match narrative from tactical discussions to off-field conduct and fair play.