Barcelona files formal protest with UEFA regarding disputed handball ruling

On Thursday, Barcelona submitted a formal complaint to UEFA, contesting the decision not to review a handball incident that occurred during their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final, first leg loss to Atletico Madrid.

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The club expressed its concerns in a statement, asserting that the refereeing failed to align with current laws, which in turn directly impacted the game's progression and outcome.

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The incident in question took place after 54 minutes of play on Wednesday, with Atletico leading 1-0, as Atletico defender Marc Pubill used his hand to touch a ball passed to him by goalkeeper Juan Musso, in order to take the goal-kick himself.

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Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs opted not to award a penalty, prompting outrage among Barcelona's players and staff, who felt the decision was unjust.

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Barcelona, a five-time Champions League winner, last claimed the trophy in 2015, and has now denounced the decision, citing a "grave lack of intervention by VAR" as a major error that influenced the game.

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The club also claimed that this incident is not an isolated one, stating that "unfathomable refereeing decisions" have previously hindered the team's performance in recent UEFA Champions League editions, creating a perceived double standard.

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This, according to the club, prevents them from competing with other teams on a level playing field, highlighting the need for consistent and fair refereeing.

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The second leg of the quarter-final is scheduled to take place next Wednesday in Madrid.