A vital Barcelona star is under threat of a potential ban from UEFA, casting doubt over his availability for future European matches.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Barça roared back with two early goals to level the aggregate, only for Atlético to strike and a late red card to seal their elimination, sparking outrage over refereeing decisions that president Joan Laporta publicly contested in a heated exchange with a UEFA official.
Fans and pundits alike dissected every call, from unpunished fouls to overturned dismissals, amplifying the sense of injustice as Barcelona’s European dream crumbled once more, echoing past controversies that have strained relations with the governing body.
At the center of the storm is star winger Raphinha, who, despite sitting out the match due to injury, unleashed explosive post-game comments that have drawn UEFA’s ire.
The Brazilian forward lambasted the refereeing across both legs, declaring, “It was a match that was taken from us; the refereeing was fraught with issues.
Reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest Raphinha risks a ban of up to three matches, to be served at the start of next season’s Champions League.
The decisions were astonishing. Atlético Madrid committed countless fouls without receiving a single yellow card. I want to comprehend the fear of Barcelona advancing.”
His words, echoing widespread discontent within the squad—including prior complaints from president Joan Laporta—accused officials of “robbery” and bias, sentiments that have now landed him under formal review.
UEFA’s Disciplinary Code, specifically Article 11, leaves little room for such public criticism of match officials.
It prohibits “insulting behavior or actions that violate the fundamental standards of appropriate conduct” or anything that brings football or UEFA into disrepute, with penalties potentially including fines or suspensions.
No ruling has been issued yet, but a sanction could hamper Hansi Flick’s side as they shift focus to La Liga title defense, seven points clear atop the standings post their recent Atlético league win.
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