Barça celebrates its seventh Spanish Cup victory and the first title of the season. However, the club has chosen to voice its protest against the referees’ performance during the 35th edition of the tournament in Cartagena. Barça’s Team Manager, Jordi Torras, expressed his frustration in an interview with Esport3 alongside journalist Xavi Lorente, stating, “What transpired on the court this afternoon is surreal. I’m not saying this for the players, but regarding the refereeing. I say it candidly, it’s utterly shameful, and it infuriates me.” He added, “We emerged victorious, but I must emphasize, we could have won or lost, yet I must speak up. I remain composed, proud of the team.”
These strong statements reflect the sentiment within the Barça locker room following the performance of referees Juan José Cordero Gallardo and Pedro Carillo Arroyo, both from Andalusia, who were also involved in a controversial decision during the 2022 edition in Jaén.
Captain Sergio Lozano, absent due to injury but watching the game, described the refereeing as “a genuine madness, utterly laughable.” Another sidelined player, Ferrao, criticized the Spanish arbitration, stating, “Regardless of the outcome, what’s increasingly evident is the referees’ arrogance. Mistakes are human; athletes make them and face consequences. Why not the referees? The error is human; what’s not acceptable is the air of superiority.”
“It’s a f***ing shame”
In the 38th minute, Pito received a second yellow card for handling the ball, disrupting a promising attack, leading to his dismissal. Additionally, Dyego was shown a direct red card for confronting the referee from the technical area, using inappropriate language.
Despite these challenges, Barcelona’s star player remarked, “My red card was unjust. We deserved to win, considering the adversities. VAR should be utilized for support.” The team celebrated their victory but vehemently opposed the referee’s decisions.
Juanjo Catela echoed, “Pito’s expulsion was unjust, and though we lost Dyego, we played remarkably well.” Catela, named the tournament’s MVP, delivered an outstanding individual performance.
It’s worth noting that Barça coach Jesús Velasco, visibly displeased with the refereeing during the first quarterfinal match, did not attend the subsequent press conference. Instead, his assistant, Jordi Illa, addressed the issue.
Following the final, Velasco, while expressing restraint, criticized the referee’s decision regarding Pito’s dismissal, emphasizing the need for VAR intervention in such cases. However, arbitration sources clarified that technology support cannot review actions leading to a second yellow card.
Velasco, a highly decorated coach with 39 titles in his 28-year career, referred to the Spanish Cup victory in Cartagena as the most significant achievement, considering the challenges faced. He expressed confidence in his team’s abilities and hinted at a future role with the National Team and the RFEF.
