After Barcelona’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, manager Hansi Flick criticized the officiating, citing a second-half penalty call and Pau Cubarsi’s red card, which left his team a man down before half-time. Flick was particularly upset about an incident in the 53rd minute when Barca requested a penalty.
Goalkeeper Juan Musso appeared to have put the ball in play from a goal kick, but defender Marc Pubill handled it within the six-yard box and retook the kick. Referee Istvan Kovacs waved play on and the VAR crew did not call him to the monitor, prompting protests from the home bench.
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In an interview with Movistar Plus, Flick expressed surprise that VAR was not deployed. I think the referee is fantastic. While we all make mistakes, what is the purpose of VAR?
“I don’t comprehend it. The player should have received a penalty, a second yellow, and a red card due to his previous booking. “This is not what should happen.”
Diego Simeone, Atletico’s manager, had a different perspective. “It’s common sense,” Simeone told reporters. The referee saw it exactly as it was. When Marc (Pubill) looked to receive a pass from a teammate to initiate a move, the referee saw it similarly. Then we can analyze as many scenarios as we like.”
Barcelona had already been reduced to 10 men in the 44th minute when Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone as the last man. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning free kick before the break, and Alexander Sorloth clinched the win following.
Flick also questioned his dismissal.”I’m not sure if he made enough contact because the ball was behind him,” he explained.
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