What Gerard Pique told the referee to get sent off in his final game explains a lot
Pique didn't even make it onto the pitch.
Gerard Pique's furious rant at referee Jesus Gil Manzano, which saw him sent off in his final game as a Barcelona player, has been revealed.
The Blaugrana were 1-0 down to Osasuna going into the break on Tuesday evening, with the game already seeped in controversy.
Osasuna scored the opener from a corner which they won despite the ball not touching a Barcelona player.
Just past the half-hour mark, Robert Lewandowski was sent off for a second bookable offence to make a comeback even trickier for Xavi's side.
Advert
Pique, who brought his playing career to a close after the contest, immediately ran onto the pitch to confront Manzano.
The 35-year-old continued his protests in the El Sadar Stadium tunnel. Manzano had finally had enough, brandishing a red card to Pique. As a result, the former Spain international couldn't come off the bench and make one final appearance for the Catalan giants.
Per Mundo Deportivo, Manzano's notes from the game claim Pique unleashed a tidal wave of abuse in frustration.
The World Cup winner vented: "Did you see what corner you gave us? You are the referee who has screwed us the most by far.
"It's a f**king shame, I s**t on your p*** mother!"
Pique would've been given a six-match ban for his behaviour if he wasn't retirning.
Xavi confirmed he intended to use Pique as the first substitute before his dismissal.
"Gerard would've been the first player to come on," he admitted in his post-match interview.
Despite being a man down, Barcelona managed to win the game 2-1 and extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.
Pedri equalised three minutes after the break with a fine finish. Osasuna defender Unai Garcia attempted to clear his lines but put the ball into Pedri's path. The teenager made no mistake with a first-time effort which flew past goalkeeper Aitor
Fernandez.
It remained a close affair until the 85th minute when Frenkie de Jong produced an outrageous piece of skill.
After receiving the ball just inside his own half, the Netherlands midfielder spotted Raphinha making a run.
He pinged the ball over the whole Osasuna backline for Raphinha to head over Fernandez and snatch all three points.
Barcelona will go into the World Cup top of La Liga as they hunt for their first league title since 2019.
Madrid can close that five point gap to two with victory over Cadiz on Thursday.
Topics: Barcelona, Gerard Pique, La Liga
Daniel Marland