Laporta: Bartomeu's arrest is shocking news

Former Barcelona club president and current presidential candidate, Joan Laporta, has commented on the arrest of former club president, Josep Maria Barotomeo, by the Catalan police over the case known in the media as "Barsa Gate".

Laporta said in radio statements: "It is the first time that I hear this news. First, we must assume the presumption of innocence. The news is not good or good for everyone who belongs to Barca, because this person was president of Barcelona."

He added: "Although his management was not good for the club, but this does not deny that he was president of Barcelona one day, and this news is not good or pleasant to anyone. The fact is that it is definitely shocking news."

In subsequent statements in a video published on the page of his candidacy for the presidency, the lawyer explained that "regarding the events that occurred today from the inspection of the club's offices, as well as the arrest of the former president of Barca and the executives, we want to emphasize our full respect for the judicial and police work, as well as the utmost respect for the presumption of innocence We deeply regret the occurrence of these events, which greatly harm the image and reputation of our club. "