Barcelona submits complaint to UEFA following denied penalty in defeat to Atlético

Barcelona has lodged a complaint with UEFA following the denial of a penalty, which could have resulted in defender Marc Pubill receiving a red card, during Wednesday’s Champions League 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid.

Pubill, already on a yellow card, handled the ball after Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso seemingly restarted play with a goal kick.

Barcelona expressed their frustration at the moment, calling for a penalty, but referee Istvan Kovacs did not award one, and VAR official Christian Dingert did not intervene.

“The club’s legal team has submitted a formal complaint to UEFA regarding the incidents that took place in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match against Atlético Madrid,” a statement from Barça indicated.

“The club asserts that there was refereeing conduct that contravened current regulations, which had a direct effect on the match’s progression and outcome.

“The complaint centers on a particular incident. In the 54th minute, after play had been correctly resumed, an opposing player handled the ball within the penalty area without a penalty being awarded.

“Barcelona believes that this decision, along with the significant lack of VAR intervention, represents a major error. As a result, the club has requested the initiation of an investigation, access to the referees’ communications, and, if necessary, official acknowledgment of the mistakes along with the implementation of appropriate measures.

“In this context, Barcelona contends that this is not the first instance in recent UEFA Champions League editions where inexplicable refereeing decisions have adversely affected the team, creating a clear comparative disadvantage and hindering their ability to compete on equal footing with other clubs.”

The unusual incident occurred while Atlético was leading 1-0 at Camp Nou, thanks to a goal from Julián Álvarez after Pau Cubarsí had been sent off for the home team.

Alexander Sørloth scored a second goal in the 70th minute, allowing Diego Simeone’s team to secure a 2-0 victory ahead of the upcoming quarterfinal second leg at the Metropolitano.

– VAR review: Cubarsi red changed Barça-Atléti. Pubill penalty claim?
– Champions League specialist Álvarez shows Barça what they’re missing
– Real Madrid’s Champions League comeback starts vs. Girona, Arbeloa says

Barça coach Hansi Flick expressed his anger over the failure to award the penalty and the likely second yellow card for Pubill.

“For me, it’s a clear red card, or rather a second yellow card and a penalty,” Flick stated in the post-match press conference.

“[The VAR] can clarify why it wasn’t [reviewed]. I can’t believe it’s not a red card. It feels wrong. It feels unjust.

“The VAR was very attentive today for Atlético. It’s a German official, so thanks to Germany.”