Real Madrid fans restore Barcelona’s nickname amid controversial scenes in Celta clash

Barcelona have late on Saturday been targeted by fans from across the Spanish football landscape, chiefly those of a Real Madrid persuasion.

This comes owing to developments in the club’s meeting with Celta Vigo.

Barca are of course currently locked in action, in the club’s post-international break return to the pitch.

As things stand in a hotly-contested affair at Balaídos, Hansi Flick’s troops find themselves in possession of a hard-fought advantage, owing to goals on the part of Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.

The widespread consensus, though, is that as much comes with the Blaugrana having been the recipients of some altogether good luck on the officiating front.

After Gerard Martín was booked early in proceedings on Saturday, the defender was responsible for a needless sliding challenge on Iago Aspas late in the first-half.

The 22-year-old managed to escape a 2nd booking, only for replays to showcase the fact that Martín likely should have been sent for an early bath.

As much proved something of a turning point in proceedings, as Barcelona weathered a Celta storm, before doubling their lead on the hour mark.

And, as alluded to above, the significance of Martín escaping a 2nd yellow has not been at all lost on rival fans.

Alluding to the ongoing ‘Negreira case’ against the Catalans, those of a Real Madrid persuasion and more have taken to social media, to dredge back up Barca’s unwanted nickname:

‘Negreiralona’

*Update* – Incredibly, Celta Vigo have since clawed their way back to level terms, courtesy of a late double.

Conor Laird – GSFN