It has long been the case that us English have always been great admirers of Spanish philosophy. The beauty of their football, the elegance of their players and the dignity and modesty with which they play the game. It would be a grave shame, therefore, if the unsavory theatrics and hounding of referees forced football fans to quench their football thirst elsewhere. Certainly on the back of both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s last 16 Champions League ties, that looks as if it isn’t too far away from happening.

Never before has my disappointment at a negative Barcelona result been greeted with such animosity. Blaise Matuidi’s last minute leveller in Paris was greeted with a despondent sigh by myself, but a snigger of content from an anti-Catalan opposite. Perhaps the wave of dissatisfaction towards the Spanish giants has already begun. Read the rest of this entry →