Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona have confirmed plans to file an official complaint with the Referees’ Committee after an eight-minute VAR delay led to Pau Cubarsi’s goal being chalked off for offside
- The Referees’ Committee explained that a malfunction with the semi-automatic offside system necessitated manual intervention by VAR official Pablo Gonzalez
- Discontent at Barcelona intensified after further controversial decisions, notably the lack of a review on Giuliano Simeone’s challenge and manager Hansi Flick’s criticism of refereeing standards
Prolonged VAR Delay Triggers Barcelona’s Protest
Barcelona are preparing to submit a formal grievance to the Referees’ Committee (CTA) after enduring an eight-minute pause for a VAR decision which culminated in Pau Cubarsi’s goal being ruled out for offside. The incident occurred early in the second half, as Barcelona were attempting to mount a comeback while trailing 4-0.
According to information from Mundo Deportivo, referencing a CTA statement, technical issues plagued the semi-automatic offside technology, forcing VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez to manually mark offside lines on the available match footage. The CTA clarified that the system failed due to the density of players within the relevant image, requiring manual judgement for the offside call. They stood by the decision, noting that the ruling was based on a forward pass by Robert Lewandowski, with Cubarsi located beyond the last defender at the time.
NOTHING GOES BARCELONA’S WAY ❌🚨
Pau Cubarsí thought he had pulled one back, but after a VAR review the goal was ruled out, adding to Barcelona’s frustration in this tough night. 😩⚽️#FCBarcelona #PauCubarsi #CopaDelRey #Football #VAR pic.twitter.com/fx5HoOdDji
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) February 12, 2026
Reactions from Players and Officials
Frenkie de Jong voiced his frustration, stating: “In the offside image we don’t see the contact with the ball, when Fermín López shoots. Later there’s another image and it’s clearly seen that the defender is one meter behind Robert Lewandowski. Very strange, a scandal…”
Barcelona’s aggravation extended beyond the VAR verdict. According to RAC1, club officials are also incensed over the decision not to dismiss Giuliano Simeone for his challenge, a call which VAR did not instruct the match referee to review.
Managerial and Federation Responses
Hansi Flick, the Barcelona manager, expressed clear dissatisfaction not only with his team’s first-half performance against Atlético, admitting his side had “been taught a lesson”, but also directed strong criticism at the officiating team. He described Spanish refereeing as “a mess”, particularly lamenting the lack of explanation provided after the protracted VAR review. Flick further criticised the standard for disciplinary actions, believing that Giuliano Simeone should have been shown a red card for his challenge on Alejandro Balde, regardless of initial interpretation.
Barcelona, frustrated by what they perceive as inadequate officiating and VAR handling, are now set to elevate their protest by lodging a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
