“It’s a clear penalty” – Barcelona coach, president insist referee wrong to ignore Nigeria star’s foul

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and club president Joan Laporta have expressed their dismay at the decision not to award a late penalty for Jules Koundé during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez last weekend, Soccernet.football reports.

The match, which saw Koundé open the scoring for the Blaugrana, descended into controversy in the 80th minute when the defender was brought down in the Getafe penalty area by Nigerian midfielder Chrisantus Uche.

Despite Barcelona’s appeals, the referee dismissed the claims, and VAR opted not to intervene, leaving the visiting side frustrated.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica, Flick did not hide his frustration with the officiating.

According to Le Footenbref, Flick said: “Was it or wasn’t it? (laughs). I don’t know what to say. It’s the same in every game. It’s unbelievable. For me, it’s unbelievable. You don’t need VAR; it’s a clear penalty. What should I say?”

Flick’s comments echoed the fiery remarks from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who described the refereeing as a “disgrace” and the decision to overlook the foul on Koundé as a “scandal.”

“The refereeing in the Getafe game was a disgrace. He didn’t award a penalty to Koundé. It’s a scandal. It’s a scandal,” Laporta stated, as reported by El Chiringuito TV.

Laporta’s anger is understandable, as the denied penalty may have cost Barcelona a vital win. Instead, the draw saw them slip further behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

With Real securing an emphatic 4-1 victory over Las Palmas, the gap between the two rivals now stands at seven points.

The draw also extended Barcelona’s dismal league form, with the Catalan giants amassing just six points from their last eight matches— their worst La Liga run in 50 years.