Hansi Flick Furious Over VARS Inaction on Handball Incident in Barcelonas Loss

Atletico defender Marc Pubill handled a ball delivered to him by goalkeeper Juan Musso to control it for his own goal kick, an action that Flick argued warranted a red card and a penalty kick.

During the opening period VAR prompted referee Istvan Kovacs to examine a challenge by Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, who received a yellow for tripping Giuliano Simeone during a break on goal.

Following the on field assessment Cubarsi was dismissed, forcing the Catalan side to continue with ten players after the interval.

"The VAR showed clear bias towards Atletico today, and since hes a German official, cheers to Germany," Flick, who once managed the German national side, remarked to journalists. "To me it was an obvious red card offence."

Back in 2024 Aston Villas Tyrone Mings faced punishment for a comparable violation during a Champions League setback against Club Brugge.

Flick believed the VAR team ought to have directed Kovacs to check the moment.

"From where I stood it was evident, they needed to instruct him to review it, just as they did earlier. I cannot comprehend it," Flick continued.

"I chose not to discuss it with the referee. Probably wise to avoid that conversation.

"We must take it on the chin and prepare for Tuesdays clash at Atletico. Our squad has the talent and decisive players, so we need to battle hard."

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo described it as "ludicrous yet a definite penalty".

Atletico manager Diego Simeone maintained that the match officials rightly refrained from getting involved.

"Common sense applies here," the Argentine stated.

"If Marc, who was meant to receive the pass to initiate the action, viewed it that way, and the referee saw it similarly, then it stems purely from shared understanding of the situation".