Rafinha responds to Tebas: We won't celebrate any goals anymore...

In an interview with El club de la mitjanit on Esport 3, Rafinha was very critical about LFP president Javier Tebas’ comments. 

“It surprised us what the president of La Liga said, he’s supposed to protect the players that form part of [his league].” In this sense, he’s given his support to Barcelona’s decision to defend themselves against the accusations which have followed what happened at Mestalla. 

“It’s good that Barcelona protect their players because our attitude has always been one of responsibility, education and hard work. We didn’t expect what has happened; if you can’t celebrate a goal like that because you’ve turned the game around, we won’t celebrate any goals anymore,” Rafinha said. 

He also defended Neymar: “Objects were thrown at Neymar and they changed the story to say that it was an act of violence by one person inside Mestalla, and now they blame Neymar, which for me is really a surprise. 

"I think Neymar is a victim of a campaign, there exists many people that look for this type of thing, they create something that really isn't there.

"But it's football, Neymar has special ability, and when he shows it on the field, for me it's not provocation, it's art. I would like everyone to do that, but everyone has their own way to play."

"When a player is not protected from violent actions, he runs the risk of it happening again. It's important that Barca protects their players, I'm surprised the president of La Liga doesn't do the same.”