Barcelona were furious after manager Marcus Rashford was denied what he called a “clear penalty” in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Marcus Rashford reveals his feelings after the match (Image: CBS Sports)
Barcelona have lodged a formal complaint with UEFA after being denied a penalty against Atletico Madrid. Barça, already reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Pau Kvarsi, called for a spot-kick after Atlético defender Marc Poubil handled the ball inside the penalty area.
The incident occurred during a goal kick in the 54th minute. Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso passed the ball to Pouvil, who had already received a yellow card, but Pouvil seemed to think the play was lifeless and used his hands to control the ball.
Barcelona’s players immediately called for a penalty, but on-field referee Istvan Kovac and VAR gave none, and play began with Pubil passing the ball back to Musso. A similar incident occurred in last season’s Champions League. Club Brugge were awarded a penalty against Aston Villa after Tyrone Mings was adjudged to have handled the ball.
However, no such decision was made this time, leaving Barça furious after losing 2-0 at home. In a statement posted on Thursday, the La Liga giants announced: “FC Barcelona today announces that the club’s legal department has lodged a formal complaint with UEFA regarding the events that occurred during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Atlético Madrid.”
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“The club believes that the conduct of the referee was contrary to the current regulations and had a direct impact on the flow and result of the match. The complaint focuses on a specific incident: in the 54th minute of the match, after play had properly restarted, an opponent player handled the ball inside the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded.”
“FC Barcelona believes that this decision, together with the serious failure of the VAR intervention, was a serious error. As a result, the club has requested an investigation, access to the referee’s communications and, where appropriate, a public acknowledgment of the error and appropriate measures.”
“In the same way, FC Barcelona believes that the recent UEFA Champions League is not the first time that an inexplicable refereeing decision has seriously harmed the team, created a clear relative disadvantage and prevented it from competing on equal terms with other clubs.”
Should Barcelona have been awarded a penalty? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Marc Poubil had already received a yellow card (Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Forward Marcus Rashford vented his frustration at the incident, telling CBS Sports after the game: “For me it’s clear. It was a penalty. It’s happened before and it’s always been given. I don’t understand this decision.”
“People talk about common sense, but common sense itself shows that it is a penalty. Our reaction reflects that, but so does the reaction of our own players. That is also important.”
“I’ve been in a similar situation in a game where a penalty was awarded. After all, if the decision goes against you, you can’t help but complain.”
Hansi Flick was furious at the decision (Image: Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Manager Hansi Flick echoed Rashford’s comments, saying: “You never know what will happen in a situation where the goalkeeper starts the game and the defender stops the ball with his hands and plays again.
“For me, this is a clear red card, a second yellow card and a penalty. (Looking at the play) it (VAR) can explain why it wasn’t. I can’t believe this is not a red card. I don’t feel good.”
“I feel it’s unfair. I have to accept it. I’ll be fighting next Tuesday.”
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