Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has fiercely criticised Dani Carvajal for confronting Lamine Yamal after Real Madrid’s 2-1 Clasico victory on Sunday.
Gaspart said Carvajal is “finished” and should never have provoked the 18-year-old Barcelona star, whose pre-match remarks had already stirred controversy.
The Real Madrid captain approached Yamal at full-time, reportedly shouting “You speak too much… speak now,” which triggered a heated melee involving players and security. Cameras also caught Vinicius Junior joining in, shouting “Talk now!” as tempers flared.
Speaking on La Posesion, Gaspart defended Yamal while aiming sharp criticism at Carvajal. “Who the hell is Carvajal? He was a great player, but he’s finished now,” he said. “Why should Lamine call him if his statements weren’t even directed at him?”
Gaspart compared the backlash to a father scolding a son, saying Yamal’s talent has brought both love and unrealistic expectations. “They made the mistake of calling him the best in the world too early. He could become it, but he’s not there yet.”
The confrontation stemmed from comments Yamal made on Gerard Piqué’s Kings League stream, where he joked that Real Madrid “steal, they complain.” He later reposted photos from Barcelona’s 4-0 win at the Bernabéu last season — posts that angered Madrid fans and players alike.
Gaspart also urged Barcelona coach Hansi Flick to protect and guide the youngster. “If Lamine is not in top condition, it’s better for him to stop and not play,” he said. “He needs to play at his best and not have excuses.”
The ex-president added that while Yamal should be cared for, he must remember the club’s hierarchy. “It’s clear that he needs to be looked after, but Barça is above him. There are fans who love him very much and he can’t let them down,” he continued. “He needs to win back those fans and remember that even if he’s 18, he’s paid like a 30-year-old.”
Barcelona now trail Real Madrid by five points in La Liga and will look to bounce back when they host Elche on Sunday before facing Club Brugge in the Champions League.
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