FC Barcelona Files New Complaint with UEFA After Elimination Against Atlético

FC Barcelona Files New Complaint with UEFA Over Controversial Refereeing Decisions

FC Barcelona announced on Thursday that it has lodged a new complaint with UEFA, contesting several refereeing decisions during its match against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, which ended in Barcelona’s elimination with a cumulative score of 3-2.

Contested Refereeing Decisions

In an official statement, the Catalan club expressed that various decisions made during the home and away matches "did not adhere to the Laws of the Game." They cited inadequate application of the regulations as well as insufficient intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in crucial situations.

Controversial Situations and Expulsions

Barcelona claims it was disadvantaged by several contentious decisions, including two potential penalty fouls that were not reviewed via video replay. The club also highlighted that it finished both matches with a numerical disadvantage, following the red cards issued to Pau Cubarsí in the first leg and Eric García in the return leg.

Direct Impact on Match Outcomes

According to the club, "the accumulation of these errors had a direct impact on the flow of both matches and the final result," leading to significant sporting and financial detriment.

A Call for Refereeing Reform

FC Barcelona reiterated its requests to UEFA, urging for improvements to the refereeing system and for more rigorous, transparent, and fair use of VAR. The club also expressed its willingness to cooperate with the European governing body to evolve these practices.

Previous Complaint Dismissed

It is worth noting that UEFA had previously rejected a complaint lodged by FC Barcelona on Tuesday regarding a controversial handball by an Atlético defender in the penalty area during the first leg, deeming it "inadmissible."

This latest action underscores the Catalan club’s determination to contest the refereeing decisions that it believes have influenced its journey in European competition.