BARCELONA
Robert Lewandowski criticised for behaviour towards Lamine Yamal in LaLiga game against Alavés
The Polish striker has been heavily criticised for his behaviour towards 16-year-old Lamine Yamal during the game against Alavés.
Robert Lewandowski partially spoiled his lifesaving LaLiga appearance against Alavés with a moment of rude behaviour towards young forward Lamine Yamal, with the Pole’s actions harshly criticised by numerous voices around Barça.
Lewandowski, 33, is 21 years older than Lamine Yamal. Any La Masia products are hugely popular at Barça, especially a young boy who has just began with the first team and had incredibly influential performances. Although Lewandowski did indeed defend him when Duarte went after the youngster following a dive for a penalty, nobody expected the former Bayern player, normally exemplary in dealing with his teammates, to show this side to his character.
Lewandowski ‘not worthy’ of being Barça leader after “ugly” Yamal treatment
Former Barça player Gerard López described the rudeness as “unacceptable” on Spanish TV station, Movistar Plus. On Catalan media outlet Esport 3, Gerard Autet also criticised the veteran player’s action, saying “things like this happen, but it is a disproportionate, bad reaction”.
Authoritative voices from the press also attacked the forward. Lluís Flaquer, one of the most respected Barcelona commentators in Spain, labelled the behaviour “out of place” while Joan María Pou, Catalan commentator for Barcelona-based RAC-1, posted on Twitter that “this ugly move from Lewandowski is not a sign of a good leader.” The presenter of Carrusel Deportivo - arguably Spain’s biggest football radio show - Dani Garrido, simply called it “regrettable.”
Lamine Yamal is a popular figure at Barcelona
Lewandowski risked his reputation with Lamine Yamal, the new source of hope of Barcelona fans. Any player who comes through to the first team after many years of chasing a dream at La Masia usually has the respect of the media and fans.
The dressing room has been refreshed since the arrival of Xavi and, currently, is in good shape, with the manager Xavi Hernández calling it “one of the best I’ve been part of in my career”. The boss has tried to deflect criticism away and blamed the press for the poor performances of his side which have even caused his future to be questioned.
Naturally, the club does not want that ecosystem to be damaged. It remains to be seen if Lewandowski, who has two upcoming matches with the Poland national team (Czech Republic & Latvia), appears publicly to apologise for his behaviour or fixes things with Lamine Yamal from the inside.