According to reports, Niko Mihic, the former doctor of Real Madrid who served in this position for seven years and still works as a medical consultant for the club, recently made sharp and sarcastic remarks about Barcelona players using bandages in matches without any evidence.

He told Marca: “Maybe they are designing strategic games, playing too much table football, or have tendonitis… Just like they might not have bribed Negreira. I don’t know what’s happening, but the point I want to make is that every doctor knows that if you want easier venous access, it’s the hand and wrist that matter.”

“This is a heavy accusation, but I don’t understand why they do this and why they deny it. They should say no but show what they are doing. What’s the secret behind this?” Mihic added.

The sports publication Sport interviewed several top sports medicine specialists to get their professional opinions on the former Real Madrid doctor’s claims and the use of bandages in top-level football—something seen not just at Barcelona but at most clubs.

Francisco Figueroa, a sports medicine specialist, explained: “Especially for someone who has experience working in sports health, these comments are completely inappropriate.”

Misael Rivas, former doctor of Almeria and Espanyol and current head of Rapid Bucharest’s medical department, went further: “If someone wants to make such a claim, they must first have evidence and second, not publicize it but report it to the relevant authorities.”

Angel Bigas, another sports doctor, added: “It seems he is seeking attention and creating controversy, but what he says makes no logical sense.”

Regarding the reason for using bandages, experts agree: “These bandages are often used to cover bracelets, tattoos, or even just for superstition. Some players use them for psychological comfort when returning from injury.”

Angel Bigas emphasized: “If someone really wants to take the risk of doping, given the strict controls and consequences, they would choose other methods. Why would they do it in such an obvious place?”

Misael Rivas stated: “In professional sports, the risks of a positive result are very high. Based on my experience, most efforts are directed toward preventing the use of doping substances or methods, not the opposite.”