Barcelona's acting president Rafa Yuste has criticised Atlético Madrid for the social media posts which poked fun at the Spanish champions for their interest in Julián Álvarez.
Following intense speculation about Barça's pursuit of Álvarez, Atlético responded with an extraordinary series of publications on X and Instagram last week.
In addition to posting a trio of tongue-in-cheek offers for Barça stars Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha, Atlético slammed the Catalan club for "calculated leaks, fake news and constant disrespect."
"I think the posts were of extremely bad taste," said Yuste, who will be replaced by president-elect Joan Laporta on July 1.
"We just have to focus on ourselves. Education is above everything else and we must be an example, from the president through to the very last member of the board of directors."
After signing Anthony Gordon in a €70 million ($81m) deal last week, ESPN reported that Barça had turned their attention to Álvarez as they look to replace outgoing striker Robert Lewandowski.
Various reports then suggested Barça had tabled a bid worth around €100m ($116m) for Álvarez, which prompted Atlético's posts.
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Yuste says Atlético's response to Barça's interest will not alter how the club act in the transfer market this summer, although he would not be drawn directly on any progress regarding the signing of Álvarez, who is currently preparing for the World Cup with Argentina.
"At Barcelona, we have a very clear way of behaving," he added. "This won't change our approach to sporting matters at all. [Sporting director] Deco has very clear plans and they won't change."
