Barcelona’s convincing 3-0 win over Athletic Club should have been an evening of celebration, not just for the result, but also for the show of sportsmanship that followed, at least in theory.
However, what was meant to be a respectful tribute from Athletic to La Liga champions Barcelona ended up being marred by behaviour that many in the Blaugrana camp deemed disrespectful.
Leading the criticism was Enric Masip, advisor to club president Joan Laporta. Masip, a vocal figure around the club, did not hold back when asked about the moment on the Spanish TV programme El Chiringuito.
Instead of entertaining questions about transfer rumours involving Joan Garcia or Luis Diaz, Masip chose to address what he saw as unacceptable behaviour from the Athletic fans.
“Let me say that I am very disappointed with the fans of Bilbao, for whistling in the corridor, for not congratulating the president, who I think we deserve and the league we have played,” he said bluntly.
What really happened?
Some Athletic Club fans jeered FC Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The traditional “pasillo”—a guard of honour formed by the opposing team to recognise the champions—was offered by Athletic players.
But the moment was sullied by loud whistles and jeers from the home crowd, something that left Masip and others in the Barcelona entourage frustrated.
“We don’t deserve that,” he repeated. “I found it very ugly. The truth is, we really don’t deserve it.”
Given the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Athletic Club, tensions between fanbases are not unusual.
Still, in this case, Barcelona expected more respect after a dominant domestic season under Hansi Flick that included a La Liga title and a domestic treble.
What could have been a symbol of mutual respect in Spanish football turned instead into a controversial footnote, with Masip’s remarks sure to stir debate between fans of both clubs.