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Pique on Penalty Claim: “We Know How This Works”

By Laieke Abebe

July 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) controls the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) controls the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Spanish central defender mentioned the penalty claim and other things about the 2-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Gerard Pique had a lot to say after Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. He criticized the officiating of the center referee Fernandez Borbalan. He also had words to say about refereeing in Spain overall. Of course, referees are always talked about. However, Barca may have the right to gripe about the missed penalty call. This is one of many opinions that the Barca players and manager mentioned after the defeat.

“The penalty on Neymar was extremely clear and the one that Gorka did to me, too,” Pique said after the match. “But we know how this works already. And we saw what happened yesterday in Sevilla vs Madrid. In line with what’s happened recently. We want to play football and not roulette, which is what this refereeing causes.”

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When asked about the rest of the match, the Spanish central defender said, “in the first half of the game we were not at our best level and they took advantage of their chances. Later we improved and we were better. If they have finished with nine players it’s because they had to stop us with fouls. A pity we could not equalize, we had chances. 2-1 leaves the tie open, I’m optimistic, sure.”

Next: Premier League Proves Barcelona’s Holiday Break Came at the Right Time

Overall, Pique and the defense could’ve been better against Athletic. However, the midfield put them in the position to be unsuccessful with two turnovers leading to goals in the first half. An away goal was very essential in helping Barca’s chances. Once again, they’ll have a lot of work to do at the Camp Nou on January 11th. Now, Barca look ahead to beginning the La Liga calendar year on the right note. Barca play against a really good Villareal side coming up next and they must be ready to play well.