During a Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Benfica, Brazilian winger Raphinha made a statement that caused a stir.
Frustrated by the refereeing, he said, “If I say what I think about the referee’s decisions, I’ll never play football again.” These comments reflect the growing tension around several controversial calls that marked the game.
The match, played with remarkable intensity, was full of controversy. The referee awarded Barcelona a penalty for a perceived slight foul on young Lamine Yamal, a decision that immediately angered Benfica players and staff.
Shortly after, another incident ignited further debate: a foul on Leandro Barreiro, which was not called, led directly to the decisive goal scored by Raphinha himself.
These controversial calls sparked widespread outrage from the Portuguese side. Several Benfica players voiced their discontent aggressively, echoing a general sense of injustice.
The tension escalated after the final whistle, culminating in a confrontation between the two teams that required police intervention to restore order, with the atmosphere in the stadium still charged.
Raphinha, speaking to journalists, did not hide his frustration. His comment about potential sanctions for openly criticizing the refereeing highlighted the unease shared by many players regarding officiating.
For Barcelona, this valuable win in their European campaign was overshadowed by the surrounding controversies. On the Benfica side, frustration was at its peak, with many accusing the referee’s decisions of influencing the outcome.
The matter quickly gained traction on social media, where videos of the contentious moments sparked heated debates. Some analysts pointed out a lack of consistency in the decisions made during the match, fueling the controversy further.
As of now, no official statement from the refereeing bodies has helped ease the tensions. With the controversy growing, the atmosphere around future Champions League matches could be even more charged. As for Raphinha, he will likely need to choose his words carefully in future public statements.
