Sharjah24: Hansi Flick, head coach of Spain’s Barcelona, said there is much to be discussed after a handball by Atlético Madrid defender Marc Pubill was not given during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, which the capital side won 2–0 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s German coach Hansi Flick on Wednesday called for clarification after a handball by Atlético Madrid’s Marc Pubill went unpunished during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, which Atlético won 2–0 at Camp Nou.
Pubill clearly handled the ball inside the penalty area after receiving it from his teammate, Argentine goalkeeper Juan Musso, following a goal kick in the 55th minute. The referee did not award any infringement, sparking anger among Barcelona players and coaching staff.
Flick said in a press conference: “I can’t believe what happened! The goalkeeper took the kick, the player stopped the ball with his hand, and then play continued. For me, that’s a red card. Maybe a second yellow, which means a dismissal, and a penalty. That could have completely changed the course of the match.”
The German coach, who usually avoids refereeing controversies, also expressed regret over the lack of VAR intervention in this incident, despite its logical use to send off Barcelona’s young defender Pau Cubarsí at the end of the first half.
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