In the aftermath of a heated El Clasico, FC Barcelona is voicing strong criticism over a disallowed goal by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. During the first half, Yamal appeared to score, but the goal was denied after officials ruled that the ball hadn’t fully crossed the line—a decision made without the aid of goal-line technology, which LaLiga does not use. The call sparked immediate frustration from Barcelona, with some footage indicating the ball may have indeed crossed the line before Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin pulled it back.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has since demanded transparency, calling for a full review of the incident and even hinting at legal measures. “If it is confirmed that there was a refereeing mistake… I don’t rule out asking for El Clasico to be replayed,” Laporta stated, expressing a sense of injustice felt by both the club and its fans.
The controversy also highlights broader concerns about officiating in LaLiga. Without goal-line technology, decisions in high-stakes matches rest heavily on referees and VAR, which fans and club officials argue can lead to inconsistencies. Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernandez, added fuel to the fire, asserting that refereeing decisions throughout the match disadvantaged his team. “We were the better team tonight, and we deserved to win,” Xavi commented, emphasizing that key calls affected the outcome.
As Barcelona assesses its next steps, the incident reignites calls within Spanish football for technological upgrades in officiating to align with other major European leagues. The decision remains contentious, with Barcelona fans demanding accountability, and the club indicating it may pursue formal challenges if evidence supports their claims.
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