“Mbappé sanction is a disgrace”

Barcelona’s vice president of sport, Rafael Yuste, pulled no punches in his criticism of Kylian Mbappé’s one-match suspension. Speaking Wednesday on Spanish station RAC-1, Yuste condemned the REFF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to hand only a single-game ban to the Real Madrid star following his red card for a brutal challenge on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco.

Mbappé decision questioned by Barcelona

“I’d say, to begin with, it’s absolutely absurd,” Yuste said on El Món a RAC-1. “It was a brutal tackle that could’ve caused a break, a serious injury. Totally disproportionate. If that had been one of our players – and it won’t happen, because our players are clean – I don’t know what would’ve happened.

“If someone loses their head like that… It’s unfair. And it just proves that we have to be perfect so we don’t depend on anyone else. Because this is a terrible example for football. It’s a disgrace.”

And Yuste isn’t the only one to question the decision that directly affects El Clásico.

Back in Barcelona, focus turns to La Masia and silverware

After returning to Barcelona from Dortmund, where Barça advanced to the Champions League semifinals despite a defeat, Yuste doubled down on President Joan Laporta’s message ahead of the tie against Borussia.

“No one really expected us to be in this position,” he admitted. “But we haven’t won anything yet – we need to stay humble and cautious. I know people are excited to see Barça playing again, the buzz in the streets, the bars, everywhere. This bold bet on La Masia... But if we don’t win, it’ll all feel like a dream. We’re determined to win trophies.”

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Barça hungry to win

Yuste acknowledged the team’s frustration with the loss in Germany, even though the result was enough to book a place in the semifinals.

“This is a winning team. Hansi [Flick], his staff, Deco – they’re all winners, and they’re hungry for titles,” he said. “We reached the goal of making the semifinals, but these are people who chase excellence. That critical spirit is essential. This team wants to win, and the only way to get better is by staying hungry – and by getting angry when you lose.”

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