Raphinha of Barcelona issues apology following gesture directed at Atlético Madrid supporters.
Raphinha has expressed regret for provoking Atlético Madrid fans following Barcelona’s Champions League elimination at the Metropolitano on Tuesday.
Footage captured the Brazilian forward at the conclusion of the match, signaling to the home supporters that they are “going out” in the subsequent round.
Although he did not participate in the game due to a hamstring injury, he had traveled to Madrid to support his teammates.
“I want to apologize for my gesture,” Raphinha stated in a comment on a DAZN Instagram post that depicted him interacting with the crowd.
“It does not represent my values or character. It was a reaction during a tense moment, in response to a fan who was being disrespectful towards me.”
Barcelona lost the aggregate tie 3-2 despite winning 2-1 on Tuesday, with Atlético moving on to a semifinal matchup against Premier League team Arsenal.
Raphinha may also face scrutiny from UEFA after alleging that the match officials “robbed” Barcelona over the two matches.
His remarks will be reviewed as part of the standard procedure to determine if they violate Article 11 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations, which mandates that “individuals must respect the Laws of the Game, regulations, directives and decisions, and adhere to the principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.”
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He could be subject to a suspension of up to three matches, which would be enforced in next season’s Champions League.
Raphinha has not played for Barcelona since the March international break, when he re-injured his hamstring during Brazil’s defeat to France, but he aims to return by May, with the Clásico against Real Madrid on May 10 as his goal.
