The build-up to Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash with Juventus has taken a heated turn after Thibaut Courtois delivered explosive remarks. The Belgian goalkeeper, never one to hold back, used the pre-match press conference to fire back at Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, and to voice his strong opposition to LaLiga’s plan to stage a league match in Miami.

What did Courtois say about Laporta and the “white hand”?

Laporta had recently implied that Real Madrid benefits from referee favoritism, but Courtois didn’t mince his words in response:

“I think Laporta says that about the ‘white hand’ because he has to, given the Negreira case. I’ve never felt that we were favored — if anything, it’s been the opposite. Referees are human, but I don’t think Real Madrid has been helped.”

The goalkeeper defended the club’s integrity and didn’t hesitate to turn the accusation around, reminding everyone of the controversy that continues to surround Barcelona.

Strong opposition to the Miami match

Another hot topic addressed by Courtois was LaLiga’s proposal to hold a league match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami — an idea that Real Madrid has publicly criticized. Courtois made his stance clear:

“It adulterates the competition. In the NBA or the NFL, every team votes, but here LaLiga decides on its own. It doesn’t comply with the players’ agreement. We’re supposed to play home and away — going to Miami is not the same. Playing Villarreal at their own stadium is much tougher.”

The Belgian emphasized that such decisions distort the essence of Spanish football, which is built on fairness and equal conditions for all teams.

Criticism of LaLiga and defense of Vinícius

Courtois also took aim at LaLiga’s media management and defended his teammate Vinícius Júnior, who played a decisive role in the recent win against Getafe by drawing two red cards:

“I don’t know why people are surprised about censorship. LaLiga has been manipulating and hiding things for a while. And with Vinícius, people are unfair. From the first minute, they target him and provoke him. He’s learned to handle it — if he frustrates opponents, that’s also part of football.”

Weighing in on the ‘Wenger Law’

Finally, the goalkeeper commented on the proposed ‘Wenger Law’, which aims to change the offside rule ahead of the 2026 World Cup:

“I’m not sure it’s the change we really need. Time-wasting is a bigger issue. Being one millimeter offside doesn’t give you an advantage, but with this new rule, some teams will sit deeper, and we’ll see fewer goals.”