Marcus Rashford has found himself at the center of a controversy regarding disciplinary actions at FC Barcelona. The forward was benched for a match against Getafe in September after arriving late to a team meeting. In contrast, reports from Spanish media claim that midfielder Lamine Yamal faced no similar punishment for his own late arrival before a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month. This discrepancy has led to accusations of double standards within the club.
Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, has strongly refuted these claims, asserting his authority over disciplinary decisions. “I’d like to know where you’re getting that rumor from,” he stated, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. Flick emphasized his trust and collaboration with the club’s management, insisting that the accusations are “rubbish” and “not true.”
Despite the criticism following his tardiness, Rashford has had a promising start to his career with Barcelona, following a season-long loan from Manchester United. The 27-year-old has scored three goals and provided five assists in his first ten matches, showcasing his ability to adapt to the new environment and play a significant role in the team’s performance. His form has also earned him a recall to the England national squad.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, expressed satisfaction with Rashford’s contributions, highlighting his high skill level and potential impact. Deco remarked, “We’re happy with him, that’s the most important thing.” He further noted that decisions regarding Rashford’s future with the club are still under consideration, emphasizing the importance of focusing on current matches rather than long-term contracts.
As Rashford continues to establish himself in La Liga, the controversy surrounding his and Yamal’s disciplinary situations may fade, allowing him to concentrate on his game and further improve his performance with the Catalan club.