FC Barcelona announced on Thursday that it has submitted an official complaint to UEFA, protesting what it described as a “serious refereeing error” during its 2-0 home defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.
In a statement published on its official website, the Catalan club said it believes the refereeing decisions were not in line with the applicable regulations and had a direct impact on both the course and outcome of the match.
The controversial incident occurred in the 54th minute during what appeared to be a routine goal kick. Atlético defender Marc Pubill, who had come on as a substitute, touched the ball inside the penalty area after receiving it from his goalkeeper Juan Musso.
However, Romanian referee István Kovács did not whistle for an infringement, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), overseen by Christian Dingert, did not intervene—sparking strong اعتراضات from Barcelona players and coaching staff.
Barcelona stated that its complaint focuses specifically on this incident, arguing that the handball should have resulted in a penalty and possibly disciplinary action. The club also called for a formal investigation, including access to referees’ communications, and demanded accountability, which could include an official apology and sanctions if wrongdoing is confirmed.
The statement further noted that such refereeing errors are not unprecedented in the competition and warned that repeated inconsistencies undermine fair competition among clubs.
The club referenced a similar incident from last season involving Club Brugge and Aston Villa, where a comparable situation resulted in a penalty being awarded—highlighting what Barcelona views as inconsistency in decision-making.
Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford expressed frustration in comments to CBS, stating that the situation was clear-cut and should have resulted in a penalty, adding that he could not understand the referee’s decision.
Head coach Hansi Flick also voiced strong اعتراض in the post-match press conference, saying: “I can’t believe it. The goalkeeper played the ball, the player stopped it with his hand, and play continued. In my opinion, it should have been a red card and a penalty. That decision could have completely changed the match.”
At the time of the incident, Atlético Madrid was leading 1-0, while Barcelona had already been reduced to ten men following the sending-off of defender Pau Cubarsí late in the first half.
The return leg is scheduled to take place on April 14 in Madrid.
