Gavi Pushes Controversial Theory After Barcelona’s Champions League Exit, Urges UEFA Investigation
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has sparked debate by suggesting a conspiracy theory following his team’s dramatic Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan.
The Spanish side lost 7-6 on aggregate in a high-stakes second leg that extended into extra time at San Siro. Barcelona briefly led the tie 6-5, but Inter’s Francesco Acerbi equalized in stoppage time, and Davide Frattesi’s goal in extra time sealed Inter’s place in the final.
Despite drawing 3-3 at home and mounting a comeback from 2-0 down in the second leg, Barcelona’s hopes were dashed — and controversy followed.
Midfielder Pedri criticized referee Szymon Marciniak for several decisions, particularly not giving Henrikh Mkhitaryan a second yellow card after a foul on Lamine Yamal near the penalty area. Initially, Marciniak awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the call to a free kick. Ex-FIFA official Rafal Rostkowski criticized the decision, arguing Marciniak was right at first and that the VAR team mishandled the situation.
Amid the backlash, Gavi posted on Instagram: “It’s incredibly painful, especially knowing how close we were. They didn’t want us in the final because they feared our season.”
His vague comment raised eyebrows, as it’s unclear who exactly “they” refers to. Gavi came off the bench during extra time in the defeat.
