Former Real Madrid Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart has labeled the Barcelona board a mafia.

Barcelona have made themselves plenty of enemies this summer no thanks to their transfer dealings especially with Frenkie de Jong.

The Catalans have been accused of bullying as they attempt to force the Dutch midfielder out.

Former Real Madrid star Raphael van der Vaart

And speaking to Ziggo Sport, Van der Vaart expressed his dismay with the Catalan club have gone about their deals so far.

“How the hell can you buy players when you don’t have money? I find it a shame,” began Van der Vaart alluding to the acquisitions at Camp Nou of Raphinha, Jules Koundé, Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessié and Andreas Christensen.

“This man (Barca president Joan Laporte) thinks he is the king but I think he’s an idiot.

“You can’t treat people like that. Does Frenkie earn too much? First you sign a contract and then you fulfill it or you leave on good terms, but not like this. This board is mafia and they have to be punished.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder added: “Barça’s name on the map has become damaged. It was always a great club and everyone wants to play there but as of now we judge it differently and I find it a disgrace.”