Loud Cards and Quiet Injuries: La Liga Takes Action as Yamal Controversy Hits Balaídos

La Liga’s formal complaint over abusive chants

A Spanish newspaper reported that La Liga filed an official complaint against Celta Vigo fans after chants directed at Barcelona and the young star Lamine Yamal during the match.

Barcelona defeated their hosts 4-2 at Balaídos on Sunday, in La Liga matchweek 12.

According to Mundo Deportivo, La Liga sent a detailed report to the Spanish Football Federation documenting the chants directed at Yamal and Andreas Christensen, as well as other taunts heard across the day’s fixtures.

Nine incidents were recorded by fans in the lower central section of Balaídos, including direct insults toward Yamal and Christensen and repeated barrages toward Barcelona.

Two of the incidents were classified as serious, with some supporters shouting “step on him” toward Yamal and repeating the same toward Christensen in the 90th minute.

The report noted the chants lasted roughly ten seconds before security intervened, and the La Liga filing treated all of these events as clear breaches of anti-violence and anti-discrimination protocols in Spanish stadiums.

La Liga’s action is part of ongoing efforts to curb hostile behaviors in Spanish football, a campaign that has intensified in recent months as authorities step up monitoring and reporting of such conduct.

Triple tension: Spanish Federation, Barcelona, and Yamal

The Spanish Football Federation expressed strong dismay and surprise at how the announcement about Lamine Yamal’s groin treatment was made on the same day as the national team’s formal gathering.

As reported by AS, the federation’s statement did not name Barcelona but criticized the timing and manner of the disclosure, stating that the medical team learned of the intervention only later in the day and through a report that arrived after the team had convened.

The federation’s document quoted that at 13:47 on Monday, November 10, Yamal underwent an interventional radiology procedure to treat groin pain, with the federation noting that there had been no prior notification to the national-team medical staff and that details only emerged at 22:40 the same day, recommending 7–10 days of rest.

This friction has lingered since an earlier mid-season pause when Yamal returned from a national-team camp with an injury, causing him to miss four Barca matches.

Barça’s coach, Hans Flick, commented on Yamal’s mindset and conduct, saying, “He left here in pain, received pain relief, and played 73 and 79 minutes (against Bulgaria and Turkey). Between games, he didn’t train. That is not proper care for players.”

With the October break, Yamal was also not selected for a national-team call-up due to the same groin issue, and the federation later released him from the squad, stating the decision prioritized his health and well-being. The Spanish press noted the federation’s clear displeasure toward Barcelona regarding Yamal’s case.

Getty Images

Barcelona breathes a sigh of relief

The Catalan club subsequently received a positive medical assessment from a Belgian specialist in groin injuries, reinforcing confidence in Yamal’s physical condition and the treatment plan.

Barça is said to have sought a respected external opinion to strengthen confidence in the current rehabilitation program and to ensure optimal follow-up for their prized youngster.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Belgian expert confirmed that early detection and aggressive early treatment are crucial for groin injuries, and that Yamal is in a good state with the current plan progressing well, though he stressed strict adherence to medical and coaching instructions to prevent future setbacks.

Barça’s medical chief, Dr. Bruno, coordinated directly with the Belgian physician, overseeing examinations and the treatment protocol to maximize the patient’s return-to-match readiness.

The Belgian doctor also noted that Yamal’s overall conditioning remains solid, and that the team’s rehabilitation approach is on track with clear signs of progress.

In press remarks, Flick praised Yamal’s improved discipline and work ethic, remarking that the winger had become more focused and diligent both on and off the pitch, a quality that will serve him well as the injury heals.

With positive medical signals, Barcelona remains confident in Yamal’s recovery trajectory and continues to monitor his training and recovery closely, while also valuing external expertise to reassure the club’s leadership and supporters.

Punchlines to close with a smile

Because when football meets controversy, a little humor goes a long way—after all, the only thing louder than a chorus of chants is the chorus of a well-timed joke in the press room.

Punchline 1: If shouting could score goals, Barca would be leading the league in free-kicks—except the ball would still need to find the net, and probably a translator.

Punchline 2: The next time fans get loud, the players might just start wearing ear protection—and the headlines will still be loud enough to wake the trophy case."