Fermín López brands Real Madrid's referee complaints 'tiresome' ahead of Camp Nou Clásico

Barcelona midfielder turns focus to Sunday's showdown at Camp Nou

Barcelona midfielder Fermín López has branded Real Madrid's persistent complaints about refereeing as "tiresome" ahead of Sunday's El Clásico at Camp Nou, insisting the Blaugrana are only concerned with their own performance.

Los Blancos have made a habit of criticising match officials, but López said Barcelona have no interest in engaging with that narrative.

"It doesn't matter how each team arrives at the match, we are two wonderful teams, and we must focus on our play and pay attention to the details. We hope to win," he told RTVE.

"We do not get into the controversy about the referees. We are doing things well, winning and transmitting values that represent Barça. We have to go our own way and, if they want to enter into that discourse, it's good for them to fuel the controversy. The discourse is tiresome, and on the pitch we have to show the level we have."

The comments continue a theme from earlier in the campaign. On 26 September 2026, López dismissed José Mourinho's post-derby theatrics following Real Madrid's defeat by Atlético Madrid, describing the coach's public complaints as part of his familiar approach to the media and saying "It's his show" while insisting Barcelona remained focused on their own progress.

López looks set to return to the starting XI for Barcelona on Sunday, particularly after Hansi Flick's side lost Dani Olmo to injury in midweek against PSG. In LaLiga 2026-27, López has registered 4 goals and 3 assists in 8 appearances, while Olmo has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 9 outings.

The first Clásico of the 2026-27 season will be refereed by Hernández Hernández, who was reported on 9 October 2026 to have been handed the whistle for the Camp Nou clash — the same official who took charge of May's Clásico, which Barcelona won 2-0 to seal the league title.