‘Paying referees for years!’ - Real Madrid TV slams Barcelona with Negreira case jibe following Xavi's complaints about La Liga officials

Madrid's in-house media channel has criticised Xavi after his comments in an escalating war of words around officiating in La Liga. The Barca manager was unhappy with a series of refereeing decisions that went Madrid's way on Sunday afternoon. And Los Blancos' outlet took issue with his statement.

Madrid's media outlet did little to hide their feelings towards Xavi's comments: "It is curious that Xavi is interested in the refereeing at the Bernabeu when FC Barcelona has been paying the number 2 of the referees for years. Xavi has played more than 600 matches with Barca, so these 600 matches are under suspicion."

The media channel's comments referenced the so-called "Caso Negreira". Barca are under investigation by federal prosecutors for paying a high-ranking refereeing official €1.6 million in a two-year period from 2016-2018. Barca have denied all allegations, claiming that they only "hired the services of an external technical consultant."

The Blaugrana remain under investigation in the Negreira case. On the pitch, though, Barca are struggling, and will look to find their feet in the Copa del Rey when they face Athletic Club in the quarter-final on Wednesday.