Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has said he was left saddened by the hostility aimed at his team by Athletic Bilbao fans during his side’s 1-0 win at San Mames on Sunday.

Raphinha grabbed the winning goal in the first half of the match to restore their nine-point lead at the top of La Liga.

However, during the game, Athletic fans protested following allegations the Catalan club bought favorable treatment from referees.

The home crowd threw money marked “mafia $” and Barca’s badge onto the pitch during the first half and chanted for Xavi’s side to be relegated “to the second division.”

“It was sad to see." [Barca] are being judged before their 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,” Xavi said after the game.