FC Barcelona suffered their second defeat of the La Liga season this Sunday in San Sebastián, both losses having been officiated by the same referee. The officiating by Cuadra Fernandez at Anoeta was met with disapproval.
In both matches, the absence of Lamine Yamalone of the most disruptive players in world football, from the starting eleven has been noted. He did not play against Real Sociedad due to a severe injury to his right ankle, and while he made his entrance in Pamplona in the 58th minute, the Blaugrana were already trailing 2-1. He managed to score in the 88th minute, but his effort could not prevent the team from losing 4-2.
However, the absence of the Rocafonda winger is not the only commonality in Barcelona’s two league defeats. The referee, Cuadra Fernandeza Madrid official associated with the Balearic committee, was in charge in both matches.
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Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flickchose not to use the referee as an excuse after the defeat in Anoeta. He acknowledged his team did not perform well, but he expressed frustration regarding a disallowed goal by Robert Lewandowski that was ruled out by VAR, a goal that would have given Barca the lead.
This controversial decision is likely to generate significant discussion throughout the week. The complaints did not come solely from Flick; Iñaki Peña and Brand Casadó also voiced their frustrations. Raphinha also took to Instagram to mock VAR. There is a belief within Barcelona that there was an error in the interpretation of the semi-automatic offside, confusing Lewandowski’s boot with that of a Real Sociedad defender. Flick sought clarification from Cuadra Fernández at halftime, to which the referee responded, “If VAR says it’s offside… why should we make it up?” From Cerro Grande was the VAR official.
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But Cuadra Fernández’s officiating was not solely criticized due to the disallowed goal or the possible VAR error. Many Barcelona players complained during the game about the leniency of the Madrid referee. Players like Bucket, Lewandowski, Koundé, Raphinhaand Pedri protested frequently, feeling that fouls were not being called in their favor after being tackled, which allowed the aggressive approach of Imanol Alguacil’s players to disrupt Barcelona’s build-up play in various areas of the pitch.
Cuadra Fernández, an international referee, is known for his tendency to let play continue, which unfortunately hindered the Blaugrana on Sunday. Two of Flick’s players, Lewandowski and De Jongleft Anoeta nursing injuries from heavy challenges.
