Xavi was saddened by relegation chants aimed at Barcelona in the "San Mames" stadium!

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has been saddened by relegation chants by fans aimed at Barcelona as ‘mafia’ bank notes are thrown by Athletic Club at "San Mames" stadium during Barca's clash with Athletic Bilbao. The Blaugrana visited San Mames on Sunday and left with a 1-0 win courtesy of a solitary goal from Raphinha. A positive result has cemented Barca’s standing at the top of La Liga, but they continue to generate unfortunate headlines in an ongoing corruption scandal that has seen them face allegations of buying favor from match officials through payments made to former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, between 2001 and 2018. With Barca falling under the microscope, Athletic fans could be heard calling for their domestic rivals to be relegated “to the second division” while also throwing banknotes stamped with “mafia $” onto the pitch. Xavi responded to those antics by saying: “I respect the fans at San Mames. They have always treated me well, but I was surprised at the hostile atmosphere towards Barca. It was sad to see. [Barca] are being judged before time, which I don't think is good for society. Everyone is free to [air their opinion], and I respect all opinions, whether I agree with them or not, but it made me sad.” Pressed further on whether the atmosphere in the stands could impact upcoming performances from his players, Barcelona legend Xavi added: “I don't have anything else to add, [just that] it makes me sad. We have not spoken about it in the dressing room with the players. We are here to win and are focused on football. We are all professionals.”