Raphinha criticises officials following Barcelonas elimination from Champions League against Atletico

The Brazilian winger, who missed both fixtures due to injury, claimed that officials Clement Turpin, in charge of the return leg, and Istvan Kovacs, who handled the opener, effectively cheated his side out of the tie.

"From my perspective, it felt like outright theft, not only in this game but also in the previous one (the opening match)," Raphinha stated to journalists following Barcas 2-1 victory on the evening, which ultimately proved insufficient.

"Refereeing standards seem to be deteriorating sharply; the calls made by him (Turpin) are astonishing ... I am keen to know why there appears to be such reluctance for Barcelona to succeed."

TV footage captured Raphinha gesturing with grabbing motions using his hands multiple times post whistle, a sign often linked to accusations of theft.

"It was challenging, particularly when it becomes clear you must exert triple the effort to secure a result," Raphinha continued.

"In my opinion, this matchup was somewhat deceptive. Sure, errors happen to all; we are all fallible. Yet when the same type of errors recur consistently, it warrants closer examination."

Reuters has sought a response from UEFA.

During the prior weeks initial clash, Kovacs issued a red card to Pau Cubarsi in the 42nd minute after VAR intervention, escalating a booking for pulling back Giuliano Simeone during a clear run on goal.

Atletico capitalised on the free kick that followed, with Julian Alvarez bending the ball into the upper right corner past Joan Garcia.

In Tuesdays encounter, Turpin adopted a comparable approach, ejecting Barca defender Garcia via VAR for grabbing Alexander Sorloth from behind as he advanced towards goal.

Barcelona submitted an official protest, dismissed by UEFA, regarding an event shortly after halftime in the first leg.

They requested a spot kick when Atleticos goalkeeper Juan Musso seemed to release the ball from a goal kick prematurely, prior to Marc Pubill touching it within the six yard area to control it again.

Kovacs allowed play to continue without interruption, and VAR stayed silent, eliciting furious outbursts from the Barcelona staff.