Barcelona intends to file additional UEFA grievances regarding Champions League officiating, according to Joan Laporta.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated that “disgraceful” officiating contributed to Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal exit against Atlético Madrid, as he vowed to address the matter with UEFA.
Barça secured a 2-1 victory at the Metropolitano but were eliminated from the tournament with a 3-2 aggregate loss following a 2-0 defeat at Spotify Camp Nou in the first leg.
In the aftermath of the match, injured forward Raphinha expressed that Barça had been “robbed,” with Laporta supporting the Brazilian’s remarks on Wednesday.
“First and foremost, congratulations to Atlético for advancing to the semifinal, but that does not diminish the officiating, which was a disgrace,” the Barça president informed reporters.
“It is unacceptable. In the first leg, we were denied a penalty [for a Marc Pubill handball], and [Pau Cubarsí] was sent off when it should have only been a yellow card since Giuliano [Simeone] did not have control of the ball.
“The referee initially made the correct decision by issuing a yellow card — but VAR intervened and called for a red card, which severely impacted our chances.
“The officiating decisions have significantly influenced the tie. In the second leg, it was more of the same.”
Following the first leg, Barça lodged an official complaint with UEFA, primarily contesting that they should have been awarded a penalty when Pubill handled the ball after goalkeeper Juan Musso seemingly restarted play.
Barça also believed that Pubill, already on a yellow card, should have been sent off, but UEFA responded this week stating that the Catalan club’s complaint was “inadmissible.”
Laporta lamented additional decisions in the second leg, including Eric García’s red card in the 79th minute, Ferran Torres’ disallowed goal for offside, a penalty appeal for a challenge on Dani Olmo, and a potential foul when Musso’s studs struck Fermín López’s face.
The Barça president indicated that the club will persist in addressing the issue of officiating standards with UEFA.
“Regarding Eric’s red card, Jules Koundé could have easily reached the ball, so Eric was not the last man,” Laporta stated. “The referee had already shown the yellow card, and VAR intervened again.
“Ferran’s [offside] goal was legitimate, there was a penalty on Dani Olmo, and the aggression against Fermín is unacceptable. His lip was completely split open. Not even a booking! It’s unacceptable.
“We submitted a complaint after the first leg, and UEFA deemed it ‘inadmissible.’ We will seek further clarification. The club will also file another complaint because what is inadmissible is what occurred to us on Tuesday once again.”
Goals in the first half from Lamine Yamal and Torres had raised Barça’s hopes for a comeback, but Ademola Lookman’s goal put Atlético back in front in the tie.
After a strong start, Barça struggled in the second half, with García’s red card forcing them to finish the last 15 minutes with 10 players as their pursuit of a first Champions League title since 2015 continues.
Atlético, who have never won Europe’s premier competition, advance to a semifinal against either Arsenal or Sporting CP.
“We gave everything but it was not sufficient,” Barça’s young star Yamal shared on social media on Wednesday.
“This is part of the journey. To reach the summit, you must climb, and we understand it won’t be easy, nor will they make it easy for us, but giving up is not an option.
“We have reasons to be optimistic and we will give our all moving forward. Every mistake is a lesson. Have no doubt that we will learn from each one.
“We are Barça and we will return to where we belong. My parents taught me to always keep my word … and we will bring [the Champions League] to Barcelona.”
