Mateu Lahoz: How Referee Harshly Criticised Barcelona Star Ansu Fati

• Controversial referee Mateu Lahoz reportedly gave Ansu Fati a dress-down in the Catalan derby
• He was the official showing 17 yellow cards during Argentina vs Netherlands at the World Cup
• Lahoz's controversial performance saw him sent home prematurely from the Mundial in Qatar

Experienced Spanish referee, Antonio Mateu Lahoz had a harsh conversation with Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, during his side's La Liga game with crosstown rivals Espanyol.

In a tempestuous Catalan derby between the two Spanish clubs, Lahoz characteristically took centre stage by flashing multiple cards.

The 45-year-old dished out 14 bookings and three red cards (one of which he overturned) during the said encounter, which ended one-all.

But aside from Lahoz's notoriety of dishing out cards, his relatively awkward chat with Ansu Fati during the game appears to be making the rounds on the internet, per Football Espana.

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Fati, who remonstrated to a harsh tackle from an Espanyol marker with an elbow, received a card and later a dressing-down from the referee.

What Lahoz said to Fati

Lahoz called Fati over and accused of angering the official.

"No, listen to me, shut up. You wait. Look at me. Even if someone grabs you, don't elbow him, okay?" the referee told the Barcelona forward via Movistar, as quoted by Tribuna.

Lahoz expelled from World Cup

Controversial referee Lahoz was sent home according to reports, following a tempestuous World Cup game that he officiated.

The official was in charge of the Argentina clash versus the Netherlands on December 9, and was on the spot for some of his decisions.

It was also reported that Lahoz had joined the group of referees released from duty at the tournament and sent home.

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Ansu Fati considering Barcelona exit

Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona had lost its place in the UEFA Champions League and could soon lose one of its talented youngsters.

19-year-old Fati is frustrated by limited time in games for the Catalan club, and would be open to moving away from La Blaugrana.

As reported by Football España, Fati has told his agent Jorge Mendes that he would be willing to leave if the situation did not change.