‘Major error’ – Barcelona submit formal complaint to UEFA about refereeing in Champions League defeat to Atletico

“FC Barcelona inform that the Membership authorized companies have submitted a criticism to UEFA immediately concerning the occasions within the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg in opposition to Atlético Madrid. The Membership considers that the refereeing didn’t adhere to the present legislation, straight influencing how the sport progressed and the end result.

“The criticism centres round a particular motion. Within the 54th minute of the match, after play had been restarted appropriately, an opponent participant picked up the ball of their space with out being proven the corresponding penalty. FC Barcelona understands that this determination, together with a grave lack of intervention by VAR, represents a significant error. Accordingly, the Membership has requested an investigation be opened, entry to refereeing communications, and the place relevant, official acknowledgment of the errors and the adoption of the related measures.

“Alongside these similar traces, FC Barcelona think about that this isn’t the primary time in latest editions of the UEFA Champions League that unfathomable refereeing selections have had a detrimental impact on the group, creating a transparent double customary and stopping competing in opposition to different golf equipment on a degree enjoying discipline.”

Appearing president Rafa Yuste had beforehand defined why the membership have been taking such motion.

“With the technical and digital assets we’ve in society, corresponding to VAR, I don’t perceive why a transparent penalty, for my part, wasn’t awarded in opposition to Atlético Madrid. I say this with all due respect to everybody. Whether or not intentional or not, the play is crystal clear,” he informed reporters.

“I don’t wish to go into element in regards to the refereeing. There’s an important second leg. We now have to concentrate on the truth that a comeback may be very potential, and we imagine it’s. Now we’ve an important match in opposition to Espanyol, and as president, I don’t need something to disrupt the focus that the membership, gamers, and employees want for this match.”

“We on the membership are contemplating issuing a press release. And we are able to’t overlook—typically reminiscence may be very quick—that one thing related occurred to us within the Cup at Atlético’s stadium. We now have to denounce it as a result of in any other case there gained’t be any enchancment. Everybody makes errors, but it surely’s occurring too typically and we are able to’t let it go.”