Outcry over Tchouaméni and referee for "criminal tackle" that injured Xavi Espart

Barcelona's 19-year-old left-back Xavi Espart suffered a right ankle syndesmosis injury in a ninth-minute challenge from Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni; he will miss approximately seven weeks.

Barcelona's promising young left-back Xavi Espart was injured in the ninth minute of Sunday's Clásico against Real Madrid when Aurélien Tchouaméni made a forceful challenge that caught his ankle despite touching the ball. Referee Juan Martínez Munuera did not issue a card for the incident.

Espart was visibly limping immediately after the challenge and was substituted shortly after. Barcelona's medical report confirmed a syndesmosis injury to his right ankle, with the club noting it resulted from "a traumatic action with a rival player" without naming Tchouaméni. The injury will sideline him for approximately seven weeks.

The incident has sparked significant anger among Barcelona supporters on social media, particularly given Espart's recent form. The teenager had impressed in recent matches, including a standout performance against PSG where he marked Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and scored, and was performing well against Real Madrid before the injury. His absence represents a major blow to Barcelona's defensive options.