Barcelona to Face Bizarre Sanction Following La Liga Referee’s Act in Atletico Clash: Reports

• Barcelona recently faced off against Atletico Madrid in La Liga
• The Catalan club had an unpleasant moment with the match officials
• A bizarre sanction is set to be meted out to Xavi Hernandez's team following the act

Barcelona has continued to suffer from questionable refereeing decisions since the commencement of the 2023-24 La Liga season.

The season started with La Blaugrana securing a draw away at Getafe, but the game was overshadowed by referee Soto Grado's controversial decision not to award a penalty to the Catalan club during a crucial moment in the match.

The contentious officiating persisted in subsequent games and the club's frustrations were palpable, with president Joan Laporta expressing his displeasure.

The refereeing controversies reached a new level during the clash against Atletico Madrid, officiated by Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez.

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The Montjuic crowd believed Barcelona had been unfairly treated on multiple occasions, including Joao Felix's penalty appeal, two fouls by Memphis Depay, and a block on Ilkay Gundogan during one of the German's attacking plays.

Nonetheless, following the conclusion of the game, reports from Football Espana revealed an unusual incident involving assistant referee Raul Cabanero outside the Barcelona locker room after the game.

Cabanero was allegedly listening in on the players during both half-time and full-time.

Barcelona Press officer Edu Polo instructed the official to leave the area, but the linesman, in communication with Sanchez over the radio, questioned Polo's identity. Xavi’s arrival, however, confirmed Polo's identity, hence diffusing the situation.

Nonetheless, in a surprising turn of events, a report of Barcelona facing a potential fine has emerged.

Barcelona hit with a fine?

A report from Barca Times states that Barcelona has been fined €602 by RFEF. The report highlights the fine stems from the gestures of Polo, for preventing Sanchez Martinez's assistant referee from attempting to spy on the Barcelona dressing room.

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Although this incident is unusual, the ongoing tension between Barcelona and La Liga refereeing officials remains a noteworthy development to keep an eye on.

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Joao Felix slams Griezmann

Sports Brief also previously reported on Barcelona forward, Joao Felix slamming former teammate, Griezmann following the veteran forward’s criticism of him.

The French forward suggested that Felix may lack the consistency needed to thrive at the club, an issue that plagued him during his four years with Atletico Madrid.