'It's a disgrace' – Xavi hits out at officials as Barcelona lose 5-3 to Villarreal in LaLiga

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts during his side's LaLiga game against Villarreal in January 2024.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Barcelona coach Xavi was furious at the match officials after his side were denied a crucial penalty decision late on in their 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal in LaLiga on Saturday.

Xavi's side came back from two goals down to take a 3-2 lead, only to concede a third, and the match looked set to finish in an entertaining 3-3 draw.

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Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is the Weekend Editor of FourFourTwo. A European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.