Barcelona president reacts to VAR controversy after Atletico Madrid loss: ‘It is shameful’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s humiliating defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final did not only leave sporting scars. 

The mood around the club was also shaped by deep frustration over the VAR decision that ruled out Pau Cubarsi’s goal, a moment many within the dressing room believe could have changed the rhythm of the match.

Acting president Rafa Yuste spoke after the game and made it clear that the anger felt by the fans was shared at the boardroom level. 

A common feeling at Barcelona

As such, Yuste did not hide his disappointment with how the situation was handled, especially the long delay before the final verdict.

Referring directly to the controversial decision, Yuste said, “I want to describe it as shameful.” 

He complained about “waiting eight minutes for a decision,” and concluded by announcing that “as president, I want to say that we will not let this go and we will demand an explanation. 

“It is unacceptable to wait eight minutes to see what happens with a play,” he noted, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

No one at Barcelona is happy. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His words certainly reflected the shared feeling inside the dressing room, where many were left confused by the length of the review and the lack of clear communication during the process. 

The decision became one of the biggest talking points of the night, overshadowing even the scoreline.

Despite the frustration, Yuste tried to shift the focus toward the second leg. 

Barcelona face a huge task after the 0-4 defeat, but the acting president believes the atmosphere at home can still play a decisive role.

Speaking about the return match, he said, “We’ve been dealt a tough blow.

“The hope and spirit of filling the stadium in the second leg and giving the team a morale boost, and why not think that we can come back,” he said.