Laporta Slams Refereeing After Barcelona’s Champions League Exit

Rabat – Barcelona president Joan Laporta has strongly criticized the refereeing in his team’s Champions League quarter‑final against Atletico Madrid, calling many of the night’s decisions “a disgrace” and confirming that the club will file another appeal with UEFA.

Barcelona were eliminated after losing 2‑0 at home in the first leg and winning 2‑1 in the return match at the Metropolitano. 

The first leg included a red card for defender Eric Garcia, which Laporta said was wrongly given.

Speaking at the Spanish newspaper Sport, Laporta congratulated Atletico Madrid but insisted the officiating over both legs was unacceptable. 

Barcelona president Laporta announces the club will fill NEW complaint to UEFA for referee/VAR decisions.

Last week’s complaint was called “inadmissible” by UEFA.

“We can NOT accept this. We already did a complaint to UEFA and I believe we will do another one”, says Laporta. pic.twitter.com/g5Z595vUXn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 15, 2026

“The refereeing yesterday, both from the official and from the VAR, was a disgrace,” he said, notably pointing to a penalty not awarded in the first leg and Garcia’s dismissal, which he argued should have been a yellow card.

Second appeal to UEFA

Barcelona had already submitted a complaint after the first leg, citing a handball by Marc Pubill, but UEFA rejected it. Laporta revealed that vice‑president Rafa Yuste is preparing new documentation to challenge the second‑leg decisions. 

“Barcelona is demanding explanations as to why the first complaint was inadmissible. Another complaint will be filed because what happened yesterday is unacceptable,” Laporta said.

The Barcelona president listed several moments he believes damaged Barcelona’s chances. He argued that Garcia was not the last defender when he was sent off, as Jules Kounde was covering. 

Laporta also mentioned a goal by Ferran Torres that was ruled out, a penalty shout for Dani Olmo that was ignored, and a foul on Fermin Lopez that left the player bleeding after a collision with goalkeeper Juan Musso.

“The foul on Fermin was intolerable. His upper lip was split open, and while he was being stitched, the referee gave a card to Gavi instead. It’s unacceptable,” he said.

Wider reaction

Laporta shared the same frustration voiced by winger Raphinha, who said Barcelona were “completely robbed” in the tie. 

The president also dismissed claims that Barcelona often benefit from refereeing decisions. “The ones who say Barca are helped by referees are shameless. To say that, they only have to look at this Champions League tie. Nobody believes it,” he said.

Barcelona must now turn their focus back to La Liga, where they are chasing the domestic title.

Coach Hansi Flick faces pressure after the European exit, and Laporta’s public criticism of refereeing adds to the tense atmosphere around the club.

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