Barcelona: Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is ‘shocked and shocked’ by allegations of sexual assault on dozens of public school students against the former youth team director. Javi has also worked in this school.
Javi responded on Saturday after officials in northeastern Spain said they were launching an investigation. The investigation has started after the ARA newspaper reported that more than 60 former students have leveled sexual harassment allegations against Albert Benzes while he was a physical education teacher at a public school in Barcelona.
The ARA, however, said that Benzes denied any wrongdoing. Benezes (71 years) was a key member of Barcelona’s youth training academy from 1991 to 2011, during which the club produced its best players, including Andrés Iniesta and Xavi.
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Benzes returned to Barcelona last year after Joan Laporta took over as president, but resigned last week for personal reasons. “I don’t have any information that such a thing happened but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” Xavi said during the regular pre-match press conference.
“He was my coach and I never had any doubts. I am shocked and shocked, I didn’t expect it.” Javi said, “I have spoken to the coaching staff because we love Albert Benzes so much. We are quite surprised by this. We have always had a wonderful relationship and they have created a wonderful legacy. Now the judiciary has to decide.” Laporta said the club was analyzing information related to the matter. (agency)
