Laporta issues statement after crucial update in Negreira case: “Barça are innocent”

Real Madrid have decided to join the legal battle against Barcelona in the Negreira case, and will appear in court as an ‘affected party’.

Reports from SPORT suggest that if the judge gives them an entry in that regard, they would have access to the entire case summary and may ask for penalties and compensation – sporting or financial.

They will also be granted the authority to question the defendants – i.e. Barcelona – during the hearing.

Madrid’s involvement in the case comes quite late, and has changed multiple dynamics for Barcelona. It will likely cause a rift between the two parties, especially with the Super League on the line.

Amidst the panic, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has issued a statement regarding the case on Twitter.

“Culers, be calm. Barça are innocent of what it is accused of, and the victim of a campaign against its honour, in which everyone is now involved. We are not surprised, though, we will defend Barça and prove our innocence. Many will have to rectify.”

Culers, estigueu tranquils. El Barça és innocent del que se l’acusa i víctima d’una campanya contra la seva honorabilitat en la que ara ja hi són tots. Cap sorpresa, defensarem el Barça i demostrarem la innocència del Club. Molts hauran de rectificar. #totsUnitsFemForça

— Joan Laporta Estruch🎗 (@JoanLaportaFCB) March 12, 2023

Despite this statement from Laporta, Barcelona do not plan to respond to Real Madrid directly, as per Helena Condis. It does not change their direction for the legal battle or affect the judicial process.

The case is going to be along one, but the president’s words will likely comfort Barcelona fans of the situation.