Following the controversial red card issued to Pau Cubarsí during their 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona has officially lodged a complaint with UEFA. The Catalan club is demanding significant repercussions, including the suspension of the German video assistant referee (VAR).
The contentious incident occurred in the 44th minute: After minimal contact with Julián Álvarez, who was advancing towards the goal, the referee immediately showed Cubarsí a red card, reducing Barça to ten men. Despite their efforts, the depleted squad failed to stage a comeback, and the match concluded with a 2-0 victory for Atlético. Coach Hansi Flick reportedly expressed extreme frustration after the game.
Barcelona justifies its complaint by asserting that «scandalous referee decisions» have previously disadvantaged the club, undermining their ability to compete on equal terms. The club has presented UEFA with four specific demands: access to the VAR communications from the officiating team, an official acknowledgement of the error by referee István Kovács, and the suspension of both Kovács and VAR official Christian Dingert.