Journalist Edu Aguirre backs Barcelona after Lamine Yamal offside controversy | OneFootball

The rather undeserved loss of FC Barcelona against Real Sociedad in La Liga last night has prompted widespread discussion of the refereeing controversy at the Reale Arena.

After the game, both captain Frenkie de Jong and manager Hansi Flick tore into Gil Manzano for his decisions on the night, and the German went as far as sarcastically applauding him in Spanish.

When the semi-automated offside images were released, it became evident that Barcelona had every right to feel aggrieved, as no part of Lamine Yamal appeared to be behind Real Sociedad’s last defender, making the call inexplicable.

As quoted by SPORT, El Chiringuito TV journalist Edu Aguirre analysed the controversial call and sided with Barcelona’s assessment. He said:

“The semi-automatic system is a machine, that’s it. Either you believe in it, or you don’t. I’ve always said that, for me, this would never be offside—not for Madrid, not for Barcelona. The forward doesn’t gain an advantage from this. It’s not an advantage for the striker to score a goal, but if we all play by these rules and accept them, then that’s how it is.”

Irrespective of the team, what happened last night was wrong. That said, it is telling that this is the second time in two successive seasons, at the same stadium, that it has happened to Hansi Flick’s side, with both games ending in defeat.

Gil Manzano has notoriously been involved in many refereeing controversies in Barcelona games, and last night was no different. It is not ideal for the Catalan club to start matches with their backs against the wall because of a referee.

Although history suggests no action will be taken, it is high time the RFEF and other governing bodies worked to improve refereeing standards in La Liga. Let us wait and see how it plays out.