Josep Maria Bartomeu has launched a stinging attack on “reckless” Javier Tebas after he suggested Barcelona’s players had acted “embarrassingly” at Valencia.
Speaking at an ordinary general meeting on Saturday morning, Bartomeu began in similar vein to last year by acknowledging an attack on Barca, this time by La Liga chief Tebas and his controversial assessment of the bottle-throwing incident at Mestalla.
“Like last year, we started off by talking about a regrettable issue as [that meeting] came at the time of an attack on the freedom of expression,” the President said.
“This year, I’ll be doing it by talking about Tebas and the [RFEF’s] Competition Committee. Both have made irresponsible statements.
“His reckless accusations are an example of what one shouldn’t do. We won’t be attacked and we’ll take it as far it can go.
“We have to defend the honour of our players and the club. We’re tired of campaigns that stem from partisan interests. What they can’t do on the pitch, they’re trying to do off it.
“It was a season of records and memories, some happy and others sad. It was the season of the double, record budget, but also the loss of Johan Cruyff.
“We’re talking to Cruyff’s family over installing a permanent place of tribute. I hope to explain what it will be before the end of the year.”
