Laporta Files Second UEFA Complaint Over Atletico Refereeing

Laporta to File Second UEFA Complaint Over Refereeing vs Atletico

Barcelona president strongly criticizes key refereeing decisions and plans appeal

BlaugranaNews EditorialApril 15, 20261 min read

So what

Barcelona’s renewed complaint signals deep dissatisfaction with officiating affecting their Champions League campaign. This could escalate tensions with UEFA and influence the club’s future governance and disciplinary interactions.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced the club’s intention to submit a second official complaint to UEFA following their elimination by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The initial complaint, regarding a controversial handball by Marc Pubill that led to no penalty being awarded, was dismissed as inadmissible.

Laporta described the refereeing in both legs as ‘a disgrace’ and ‘intolerable’, citing several critical errors including denied penalties, a reversed yellow card by VAR, and unpunished fouls that significantly harmed Barcelona’s chances.

While relations between Barcelona and UEFA had been improving after the Super League episode, this latest dispute threatens to reignite tensions. Laporta previously met with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin to discuss disciplinary proceedings, indicating a willingness to engage constructively.

This complaint underlines Barcelona’s stance on demanding fair refereeing and protecting club interests at the highest level. For fans, it shows the club’s commitment to challenging perceived injustices both on and off the pitch.