Long-time Barcelona center-back Gerard Pique, never one to spare sharp words for the Spanish football leadership, this time could not believe the conditions under which their team had to play. On Saturday late in the evening, Barcelona fought for important three points in an away match against Real Valladolid. The Catalans achieved a tough victory by a slim margin, but the players had to compete in very poor conditions for the full 90 minutes - the pitch surface, where the Spanish champions played, was changed just four days prior, turning the field into a true disaster. After the match, G. Pique did not hold back criticism for the La Liga leadership. The president, Javier Tebas, wrote on social media that the league would take disciplinary measures regarding this pitch, but many wondered why this wasn't done before the match. "This pitch was a mockery, it was simply shameful," said G. Pique after the match. "We played on a field belonging to a league that wants to sell its product to the United States. I think they need to first look at what's happening in their own home. I'm not saying it was impossible to play football on such a pitch, I'm saying that by playing in these conditions, we risked our health. I hope that those responsible will take action and try to solve this problem," added the defender.
Always replace your divots pic.twitter.com/I7YWiH1qNV
— AS English (@English_AS) August 25, 2018
Ernesto Valverde, Gerard Pique & Sergio Busquets all fume at the state of #Valladolid's 'disgraceful' & 'beach-like' pitch vs #FCBarcelona https://t.co/jVQj4oSEok #ValladolidBarca #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/lfjYlHOXnS
— footballespana (@footballespana_) August 26, 2018
This is how the ground looked a few days ago... pic.twitter.com/WR6jqdDzh9
— AS English (@English_AS) August 25, 2018
