Barcelona midfielder Rodri faces scrutiny over comments made about Valencia performance

Barcelona midfielder Rodri was captured on camera criticizing Valencia during a 5-0 victory for Barcelona at Mestalla on Sunday. After being substituted in the 62nd minute, Rodri sat on the bench alongside teammate Pau Cubarsi and remarked that the opposition was weak and played poorly. The footage, broadcast by Movistar Plus, shows the midfielder speaking openly while the match was still underway. Rodri had just returned to La Liga following a seven-year stint in the Premier League. The exchange has prompted public debate regarding the privacy of players while in the bench area during matches. Television cameras at Spanish venues frequently record such conversations, which have previously remained private in other leagues. The midfielder has not commented on the broadcasted remarks following the conclusion of the match.

• 7:19 AMYahoo Sports — Barcelona’s Rodri was stunned at the level of football in 5-0 La Liga win over Valencia
• 6:00 AMYahoo Sports — Video: Barcelona superstar caught on camera making blunt comments about Valencia’s performance