Xabi Alonso slams refereeing decisions made during FC Barcelona's clash against Mallorca

The Spanish manager has criticized the decisions made by the match officials in the Barca-Mallorca game. (Image credits - Heute, License Details)

FC Barcelona began their La Liga defence in style as they triumphed 3-0 over Mallorca, earning them three crucial points away from home. However, the game turned out to be extremely chaotic and full of unexpected controversies, taking the internet by storm.

During Barça’s second goal scored by Ferran Torres, Mallorca players claimed that the play should've stopped for a mandatory concussion check, as one of their players had gone down with a potential head injury. However, the ref did not blow the whistle to stop the game, leading to a goal and, as a result, massive outrage.

In the post-match interview, Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate also expressed his disappointment and slammed the refereeing by stating, “We’ve all seen that incident, and last week they explained it to us in the debriefing. If there’s a blow to the head, the game stops. (sic)

He further added that, “We all thought he blew the whistle, but he gave a goal; I don’t quite understand. He [the referee] came, I appreciate it, and he says Raillo wasn’t dizzy, even though he doesn’t know that.” (sic)

What did Xabi Alonso say about the referring decisions made in Barcelona vs Mallorca?

When asked about the controversial decisions made in the Barcelona-Mallorca game in a pre-match press conference, Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso stated, “It’s not my place to comment on what’s happening in other parties, but I did hear what Jagoba Arrasate said, and he explained it very well.” (sic)

He further slammed the league's decision to shift a few matches abroad in the United States of America, saying, “I fully agree with the club’s statement. If the rules are changed, it must be with the approval of all clubs, and that hasn’t happened.” (sic)

The 43-year-old also heaped praises on Lamine Yamal and joked about having high BP when facing him this year. “I don’t have a blood pressure monitor. He’s been an important player for Barça and the national team. It’s time to face him,” said Alonso. (sic)