Barcelona have lodged an official complaint with UEFA, citing a "grave lack of VAR intervention" during their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The controversy centers on a 54th-minute incident where Atletico defender Marc Pubill appeared to handle the ball in his own penalty area after goalkeeper Juan Musso had seemingly restarted play with a goal kick. Barcelona players immediately appealed for a penalty, but referee Istvan Kovacs allowed play to continue without consulting the Video Assistant Referee, Christian Dingert.
"The club considers that the refereeing did not adhere to the current law, directly influencing how the game progressed and the result," Barcelona stated on Thursday.
Barcelona's formal request calls for an investigation, access to refereeing communications, and "official acknowledgment of the errors and the adoption of the relevant measures."
The match had already seen drama when Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi was sent off in the 44th minute after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow card to red for a foul on Giuliano Simeone. Atletico capitalized with Julian Alvarez scoring a superb free-kick before halftime.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration after the match, questioning the VAR's focus and the handling decision.
"I don't know what happens in the situation where the goalkeeper starts the game and the defender stops it with the hand and then plays again," Flick said. "For me it is a clear red card - well a double yellow - and then a red card and penalty."
Alexander Sorloth sealed Atletico's victory with a 70th-minute goal, marking their first win at Barcelona's stadium since 2006. The result leaves Barcelona with a challenging task heading into next week's second leg in Madrid.