ไทย
English
中國人
Raphinha is facing a UEFA investigation over remarks made after Barcelona's Champions League exit against Atlético Madrid, with the Brazilian publicly stating his side was "robbed."
A sidelined Raphinha could only look on as Barcelona extended their Champions League title drought beyond 11 years. After the second leg against Atlético, the frustrated Brazilian launched a fierce attack on what he considered outrageous officiating decisions that played a role in Barça's downfall.
"For me, this game was a robbery," Raphinha told reporters in the Metropolitano tunnel. "Not just this match but the [first leg] as well. I think the refereeing had many problems, some of the decisions they made were incredible.
"I don't know how many fouls Atlético made but the referee didn't give them a single yellow card. What I want to understand is why they're so afraid of Barcelona [advancing]."
Past precedent indicates that Raphinha could face serious consequences and risk missing the opening fixtures of the 2026–27 Champions League campaign. Fellow Brazilian Neymar received a three-game ban for a comparable incident in 2019, as did Didier Drogba, who launched a furious tirade against officials following Chelsea's notorious semifinal elimination against Barcelona in 2009.
🚨🏡 Raphinha to Atletico Madrid fans on DAZN cameras: "You're going home [next round]".@DAZNFutbol @DAZNFootball 🎥 pic.twitter.com/eaYRdTnVQT
However, Raphinha's troubles extend beyond his verbal comments, as he could also face punishment for his conduct toward Atlético supporters at the Metropolitano.
The winger clashed with home fans, gesturing toward those in the stands to indicate their team would be knocked out in the next round, while visibly mouthing, "you're out."
Just last season, Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger were fined for a comparable confrontation with Atlético fans, with a one-match ban looming for any repeat offense. Raphinha may well face the same outcome.
Despite not featuring for a single minute in the quarterfinals, Raphinha thrust himself into the headlines with his post-match behavior, which he now appears to regret.
Raphinha Apologizes For Behavior
Raphinha's actions and words came in the heat of the moment. As the hours passed and tensions subsided, the Brazilian turned to social media to issue an apology for his conduct toward Atlético fans.
"I apologize for my gestures, which don't align with my values and my character," Raphinha wrote on Instagram. "It was an action made during a moment of tension, in response to a fan that was disrespecting me."
However, Raphinha stopped short of apologizing for his criticism of the officiating decisions he believed cost Barça, appearing to stand firm on that front.
He was not the only high-profile Barcelona figure to take aim at the referees, with club president Joan Laporta also condemning the officials.
Joan Laporta Slams Referee, Launch UEFA Complaint
The day after Barcelona's elimination, Laporta echoed Raphinha's sentiments and went even further. After acknowledging Atlético's progression, Barça's president held the referees responsible for the tie's outcome and announced the club would lodge a formal complaint with UEFA.
"The refereeing yesterday, both from the match referee and VAR, was a disgrace," Laporta said.
"What they have done to us is unacceptable. In the first leg, they didn't award us a penalty that was by the book, and they also sent off one of our players when it was only a yellow card, because Giuliano [Simeone] didn't have control of the ball.
"It's been a tie in which refereeing decisions have really hurt us. In the second leg, Eric García wasn't the last man, Koundé was arriving. The referee showed a yellow card, which was the correct decision, but VAR made him change his mind. Ferran's goal should've counted. The foul on Olmo should've been a penalty. The aggression on Fermín, judge it however you like, but it's unacceptable.
Barcelona had previously filed a complaint regarding first-leg officiating decisions, which UEFA ruled "inadmissible." A week on, the Catalan club intends to try once more.
"We are now seeking an explanation as to why that complaint was inadmissible. We will file another complaint because what's inadmissible is what happened to us, again, yesterday. These are decisions that harmed Barça and they are unacceptable. It's a disgrace."
Barcelona's latest complaint is likely to be met with the same response from UEFA as the previous one.
Nevertheless, as contentious as certain decisions during the quarterfinals may have been, attributing the entire elimination to the referees is a risky stance. Ultimately, Barcelona's own shortcomings remain the primary reason for their most recent Champions League exit.