Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly vowed to take the club’s Champions League quarterfinal loss to Atlético Madrid to UEFA as he claimed was marred by “disgraceful” officiating mistakes.
Barça won 2-1 in the Metropolitano on Tuesday, but following a 2-0 loss at Spotify Camp Nou in the first leg last week, they were eliminated from Europe after a 3-2 aggregate loss.
After the game, injured striker Raphinha said that Barça had been “robbed,” and Laporta confirmed the Brazilian’s remarks on Wednesday.
Laporta Blasts Refereeing Decisions
“First of all, congratulations to Atlético for reaching the semifinal, but that doesn’t take away from the refereeing, which was a disgrace,” the Barça chief told reporters as quoted by ESPN.
“It’s unacceptable. Already in the first leg, we were not given a penalty [for a Marc Pubill handball] and [Pau Cubarsí] was sent off when it should only have been a yellow card because Giuliano [Simeone] did not have the ball under control.
“The referee made the right decision giving the yellow at first — but the VAR demanded a red card which really damaged our chances.
See Also: Raphinha Risks Champions League Ban After Explosive Comments In Barcelona Defeat
“The refereeing decisions have had a major impact on the tie. In the second leg, it was more of the same.”
Laporta lamented further rulings during the second leg, such as Eric García’s red card in the 79th minute, Ferran Torres’ goal being disallowed for offside, a penalty claim for a challenge on Dani Olmo, and a possible foul when Musso’s studs collided with Fermín López’s face.
The President Promises To Take Matter To UEFA
The Barça chief said the club will continue to take the fight to UEFA over the standard of officiating.
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