Xavi blames Romanian referee for Barcelona’s Champions League implosion as he insists it was ‘too much’ to send off Ronald Araujo… before PSG did score four to turn the situation around.
- Barcelona boss Xavi has criticized the referee’s performance in the defeat to PSG.
- Istvan Kovacs handed out three red cards to the Catalans in the evening
- “He has no excuse to dive!” Will Bukayo Saka learn from his fall at Bayern? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Barcelona coach Olympic.
Barca’s biggest blow came on the half-hour mark when Ronald Araujo was adjudged to have brought down Bradley Barcola just before he burst into the box.
“This decision was a complete game changer,” said the Barcelona coach. “It was too much to give a red card.
“I told the referee his performance was very bad. It was a disaster. He killed the tie.
Xavi was sent off late for dissent – it was his third touchline expulsion of the season. That’s four reds and 22 yellows since he became Barça boss.
Ronald Araujo was sent off in the first half of Barcelona’s 4-1 loss to PSG on Tuesday.
Afterwards, Xavi criticized the officials for sending off the defender and two members of staff.
Goalkeeping coach José Ramon De la Fuente was also sent off for protest.
“We were upset and very angry,” added Xavi. “Eleven against eleven, we were well organized. We almost equalized thanks to Gundogan and the 2-0 with Robert Lewandowski would also have changed the situation. We had clear chances but we were always behind because with ten, it’s very difficult.
“It’s a shame that the work of a season is over because of a refereeing decision. I would have liked to play eleven against eleven every minute. This sending off is not necessary.
Luis Enrique said: “We started brilliantly and we knew it would be a match with goals. We were prepared for any scenario. With a spectacular action from Lamine (Yamal), we conceded a goal but we showed maturity. For me it was an expulsion (of Araujo) and we played a very complete match.
“I don’t usually judge. I try to put myself in the referee’s place. I try to protest little or not at all and tell my players to control their emotions.
Xavi received a red card for dissent from referee Istvan Kovacs late in the match.
“Today we have taken a big step forward in terms of maturity. We are qualified and we will play against Dortmund, who won our group so it will not be easy.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen added: “We are very disappointed.
“Araujo can be blamed. When they scored the third, we had to give more in the game and take more risks.
“At the end of the day, they have a lot of quality up front and every chance is a danger. They scored four against us and it’s hard to understand.
