FC Barcelona files a new complaint with UEFA following elimination against Atlético

The FC Barcelona announced on Thursday that it has filed a new complaint with the UEFA, contesting several refereeing decisions made during its clash against the Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, which concluded with a narrow 3-2 aggregate elimination.

Disputed Refereeing Decisions

In a statement, the Catalan club expressed that several decisions made during the two-legged fixture “did not adhere to the Laws of the Game,” citing poor application of the regulations and a lack of intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in critical situations.

Controversial Situations and Sending-Offs

Barcelona claims that it was negatively impacted by several contentious calls, including two potential penalty fouls that were not reviewed by VAR. The club also noted that it finished both matches with a player disadvantage, following the expulsions of Pau Cubarsí in the first leg and Eric García in the second leg.

A Direct Impact on Match Outcomes

According to the club, “the accumulation of these errors directly affected the flow of both matches and the final outcome,” leading to significant sporting and financial damages.

A Call for Refereeing Reform

FC Barcelona reiterated its demands to UEFA, urging for an improvement in the refereeing system and for a more rigorous, transparent, and fair application of VAR. The club also expressed its willingness to cooperate with the European governing body to evolve its practices.

A Rejected Initial Complaint

For reference, UEFA rejected Barcelona’s initial complaint on Tuesday regarding a controversial handball by an Atlético defender in the penalty area during the first leg, deeming it “inadmissible.”

This new initiative underscores the Catalan club’s resolve to contest refereeing decisions that it believes have influenced its journey in European competition.