Barcelona head coach Xavi has spoken after opposition fans on Sunday called for the Catalan club to be relegated following the corruption charges they are facing.
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The Blaugrana claimed a 1-0 victory away over Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga at the weekend.
Supporters at the San Mames gave the travelling team and fans a hostile reception following the news that Barcelona were officially facing charges for payments made to a former referee official between 2001 and 2018.
The home crowd threw fake bank notes onto the field and called for the Spanish giants to be relegated to the country's second division.
Speaking after his team's narrow victory, Xavi admitted to being saddened by the treatment that he and his players received.
"I respect the fans at San Mames," he said, according to ESPN.
"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."
Barcelona have insisted the club has not paid for any referees' influence and that the payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the ex-official in question, were instead for technical reports.
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