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FC Barcelona opened their LaLiga season with a 3-0 win over nine-man Mallorca at Estadi Son Moix on Saturday, in a match marked by controversy and fierce protests from the home side.
The major talking point came in the first half when Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona despite Mallorca claiming one of their players was down with a potential head injury. The referee allowed play to continue, and Torres converted, sparking outrage from Mallorca’s bench and fans.
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate told Mundo Deportivo: “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. We all thought he blew the whistle but he gives 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.”
Ahead of his LaLiga managerial debut with Real Madrid tomorrow, Xabi Alonso was asked for his views on the refereeing decisions in Mallorca’s defeat. The Basque coach expressed cautious agreement with Arrasate, while keeping a measured stance.
“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,” Alonso said.
Alonso also reiterated Real Madrid’s opposition to the planned relocation of the Villarreal vs Barcelona fixture to the United States later this year. “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,” he added.
Turning to Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, Alonso acknowledged the youngster’s impact but remained focused on tomorrow’s fixture. “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,” he said.
