Barcelona files complaint with UEFA over VAR ignoring penalty, accusing bias towards Atlético Madrid in Champions League.
On 10 Apr 2026 GMT+7, after the match ended, Barcelona was not finished and officially submitted a legal complaint to UEFA. This followed their 0-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg. They protested that the referee clearly broke the rules by not awarding a penalty, and VAR remained silent.
Barcelona's anger was sparked by an incident in the 54th minute. After Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso kicked the ball out of the goal area and it was legally out of play, substitute defender Marc Pubill used his hand to stop the ball and passed it back to the goalkeeper.
Barcelona was very dissatisfied and demanded a penalty, but the referee did not award one, and VAR did not intervene. The club's statement said their legal team filed a complaint to UEFA about the first-leg quarterfinal incident, arguing the referee's actions violated the rules and directly affected the game's flow and outcome.
Barcelona emphasized the 54th-minute moment, considering it a handball by the opponent in the penalty area after play resumed, yet no penalty was given. They also pointed out that VAR's failure to review the incident was a serious error. The club called for an investigation, disclosure of the referees' communications, official acknowledgment of the mistake, and appropriate measures.
Additionally, Barcelona stated this is not the first time they have been negatively impacted by questionable decisions in this tournament, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to other teams.
Barcelona coach Hans-Dieter Flick expressed strong dissatisfaction, saying, “For me, that was clearly a red card, or at least a second yellow, and it should have been a penalty. VAR should explain why they didn't review this incident. I can't believe it wasn't a red card. It feels very bad and unfair.”
“For me, it was a clear red card (or at least a second yellow) and should have resulted in a penalty. I can't believe it wasn't a red card. It feels very wrong and unfair,” he added.
“VAR should explain why they didn't check this incident. I can't believe it wasn't a red card. It feels bad and unfair,” Flick said.
“Today, VAR worked very well for Atlético—they are German, right? Thanks a lot, Germany,” he said sarcastically.