Barcelona Cry Foul After Brutal Atletico Madrid Defeat Sparks Controversy Claims
Barcelona are set to lodge an official protest regarding several disputed referee calls during their crushing 4–0 Copa del Rey semifinal first leg defeat against Atlético Madrid on Thursday.
Following a disastrous first half that saw them concede four goals, Barcelona believed the match officials became their primary adversaries after halftime. Pau Cubarsí had a 52nd-minute strike disallowed for offside despite the absence of semi-automated offside technology, while Atlético's Giuliano Simeone escaped a red card for a harsh tackle on Alejandro Balde.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona were so incensed by the refereeing performance that they plan to submit an official complaint.
Cubarsí's Disallowed Goal Sparks Huge Response
Cubarsí's Disallowed Goal Sparks Huge Response
Barcelona thought they had begun their fightback when Cubarsí seemingly scored just seven minutes after the restart.
Predictably, VAR conducted a review of what appeared to be a marginal offside decision. The Copa del Rey typically employs semi-automated offside technology for such situations, but inexplicably failed to utilize it on this occasion. The manual line-drawing process lasted a grueling six minutes before the goal was ultimately chalked off.
Following the match, several disgruntled Barcelona players disclosed discussions with the officials, who acknowledged that the offside technology had malfunctioned at that moment.
"They mentioned something about the system malfunctioning, but then I witnessed footage where it's obvious that it wasn't offside," Frenkie de Jong protested. "If the decision is based on the replay I observed, and if it's not AI or similar technology, because you can never be certain nowadays ... but if that's the footage, then it's outrageous, because it's absolutely clear."
Simeone's Unpunished Tackles on Balde
Simeone's Unpunished Tackles on Balde
Barcelona's grievances with the officials commenced from the match's opening moments. Coach Hansi Flick believed Giuliano Simeone deserved a yellow card for an early challenge on Balde, but no disciplinary action was taken against the Argentine player.
Simeone drew attention again in the second period with another aggressive foul on Balde. Despite Barcelona's appeals for a dismissal, he remained on the field.
"Honestly, none of the referee's calls have favored us recently," Eric García, who received a late red card, complained. "Giuliano's challenge on Balde was an obvious red card. It's these types of decisions where it appears straightforward to rule against us."
Flick commented: "The initial challenge on Balde warranted a yellow. Absolutely. The game would have unfolded differently if he had shown it. By not displaying it, you're encouraging this style of play. For me, it's chaotic."
Optimism Prevails for Flick
Optimism Prevails for Flick
Despite the devastating nature of the loss, Barcelona attempted to maintain positivity as they believed in their ability to achieve what could be the tournament's most remarkable turnaround.
"We have two additional halves remaining and we'll battle," Flick stated. "If we secure 2–0 victories in both halves ... we'll require our supporters at home."
Eric shared similar determination.
"We can reverse this situation," the defender declared. "We've achieved some incredible comebacks at this venue, but there are still 90 minutes remaining and with our current squad we can overturn this result. I believe we're a superior team to them."