Rakitic: "The referee disrespected me"
Ivan Rakitic was involved in an altercation with referee Jair Marrufo during 'El Clásico Miami', with the Croatian claiming he was insulted by the Texan.
A Gerard Piqué goal at the start of the second half was enough to secure victory for Barcelona in the first Clásico away from Spanish soil since 1982. The match was a pre-season friendly, but it did not lack bite.
Rakitic riled by referee Marrufo
Just after the hour mark, Barça midfielder Ivan Rakitic was involved in a heated altercation with referee Jair Marrufo, during which he placed hands on the official.
"Those who know me know that it takes a lot for me to get angry on the pitch, but the referee managed to," said the Croatian, who scored Barcelona's second goal.
"He insulted me three times in an ugly way. I'm usually very respectful, but when I am disrespected, it is not acceptable."
USA tour 'very positive' for Barcelona
Despite this blemish on a successful evening for Ernesto Valverde's side, Rakitic was upbeat about the pre-season tour to the United States.
"I think the tour to the USA was very positive. The matches had a good rhythm and we worked well in training. And when you win, you enjoy it more.
"We'll have to wait and see if we're better than Madrid in the Super Cup. We played a friendly match, but victories always breed confidence. The Super Cup will be different."
