Laporta Drops the Hammer: Barcelona President Excludes Five Stars After El Clásico Meltdown
In a move that has sent shockwaves through FC Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has taken drastic disciplinary action following the team’s painful 2–1 defeat to Real Madrid in the El Clásico on matchday 10 of LaLiga EA Sports.
“They have disgraced the club, and I cannot accept behavior like that on the field!”
— Joan Laporta, visibly furious at an improvised press conference at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
According to multiple reports, five players have been officially excluded from Barcelona’s starting lineup for upcoming matches — a decision that Laporta sees as essential to restoring “discipline and the true Barça spirit” in a side struggling both emotionally and competitively.
A Nightmare at the Bernabéu
Sunday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabéu unfolded under enormous tension. Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso in his first El Clásico as head coach, earned a deserved victory thanks to a Kylian Mbappé strike in the 22nd minute (assisted by Jude Bellingham) and a second-half goal from Vinícius Júnior.
Barcelona, without Hansi Flick on the bench due to suspension, pulled one back through Robert Lewandowski in the 68th minute. But Pedri’s late red card in stoppage time — followed by a chaotic brawl between both teams — sealed a disastrous night for the Catalans.
It was during that chaos, insiders say, that Laporta’s anger boiled over.
The Excluded Five: A Shock List
Laporta’s decision to bench Pedri González, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, and Lamine Yamal has left fans and pundits stunned.
Sources inside the club reveal that the measure is not purely tactical, but rooted in concerns over “attitude and professionalism” during and after the match.
- Pedri, who received a red card for two reckless challenges, was accused of losing his composure in a decisive moment.
- De Jong has reportedly been criticized for a lack of leadership and poor defensive transitions.
- Araújo’s reckless tackle that nearly led to a penalty infuriated club officials.
- Koundé was blamed for repeatedly allowing Mbappé to exploit the right flank.
- And Lamine Yamal, despite his youth, was included as a “wake-up call” after what Laporta viewed as a complacent display and immature reactions to Madrid’s physical play.
Laporta, referencing Barcelona’s values, made his stance clear:
“This club stands for respect, humility, and total dedication. What I saw on Sunday does not represent Barça. Wearing this shirt is a privilege, not a right.”
Fans Divided, Pressure Mounting
The president’s explosive decision has divided opinion among supporters. Some fans have praised his no-nonsense approach — “Laporta is right, we need to clean the locker room,” wrote one on X — while others fear the move could deepen Barcelona’s crisis, with key players like Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Lewandowski already sidelined by injury.
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg, who led the team in Flick’s absence, attempted to calm the storm, defending Lamine Yamal in his post-match remarks:
“He’s 18 years old. We must protect him. He’s a great professional and still learning.”
But Laporta’s message has been heard loud and clear throughout the club — and it signals a turning point.
Crisis or Catalyst?
The fallout comes at a delicate moment for Hansi Flick’s project, which began with promises of dynamic, attacking football but has faltered against top opposition. The defeat extended Real Madrid’s lead at the top — still unbeaten and five points clear — while Barça’s confidence appears shaken.
Laporta has reportedly called an emergency board meeting for Tuesday to address both the lineup for the next match against Villarreal and the future of the excluded players. Transfer exits in the January window have not been ruled out.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For some, this bold move could reignite the fire inside Barcelona’s dressing room. For others, it risks deepening a fracture that could derail the entire season.
What’s certain is that Laporta has drawn a line in the sand — and in his words, “the badge is not negotiable.”
