FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized referee Clement Turpin following the team’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Atletico Madrid. Despite a 2-1 win in the match, Barcelona was defeated 3-2 on aggregate, with Laporta blaming part of the loss on what he deemed as poor officiating during the game at the Metropolitano Stadium. Laporta, speaking at the Conde de Godo tennis tournament in Barcelona, expressed frustration over key decisions, including Atletico’s 15 fouls without bookings and Barcelona playing with 10 men in the tie.
Laporta highlighted incidents from both legs of the tie, mentioning a denied penalty and a player’s incorrect dismissal in the first leg. He criticized the red card given to Eric Garcia, arguing that another player could have covered the situation, disputing an offside decision that disallowed a goal, and questioning a potential penalty claim. Laporta also mentioned a moment where a player required medical attention after a collision with the goalkeeper’s studs, emphasizing the impact on the young player.
Barcelona’s 11-year wait for a Champions Trophy victory continues as Atletico Madrid advances to the semi-finals. Atletico aims to secure their first Champions League title, having been runners-up in the finals three times.
