Barcelona officials and supporters have expressed significant concern following the appointment of César Soto Grado to officiate Monday’s high-stakes Catalan Derby against Girona at the Estadi Montilivi.
Barcelona has voiced official concern regarding the appointment of César Soto Grado as the referee for Monday’s critical La Liga clash with Girona.
The decision comes at a delicate time for the Blaugrana, who were recently overtaken at the league summit by Real Madrid.
The club’s history with Soto Grado is fraught with tension, as his officiating has frequently sparked accusations of institutional bias.
Under Soto Grado’s watch, Barcelona has struggled to maintain consistency, securing only seven wins alongside six defeats and three draws in their last sixteen matches.
Notably, fourteen of those fixtures were played away from home, heightening fears of a disadvantageous environment at Montilivi.
As the reigning champions fight to reclaim their lead, many within the club remain wary, noting that “Barca have long drawn issue with the standard of Soto Grado’s officiating.”
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