Barcelona frustration boils over as same VAR official sparks fresh controversy | OneFootball

Barcelona’s frustration with refereeing decisions has reached a new level following the latest VAR controversy in their clash against Celta Vigo. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club is increasingly furious about the role of Carlos del Cerro Grande, whose decisions are perceived to be repeatedly going against them in crucial moments.

The latest flashpoint came when a goal from Ferran Torres was ruled out for a marginal offside decision. 

The strike itself was a moment of quality, but VAR intervention quickly overshadowed it. 

The decision, reportedly based on extremely tight margins and controversial line placement, has once again ignited debate around consistency and transparency in officiating.

What’s the story?

On the pitch, Jose Luis Munuera Montero was the main referee, but the spotlight landed on the VAR room, where Del Cerro Grande was in charge. 

Within the Barcelona camp, there is severe frustration, especially given that this is not the first time similar incidents have occurred under his supervision.

The report highlights that Del Cerro Grande had not officiated as VAR in a Barcelona match since the controversial fixture against Real Sociedad earlier this year. 

That encounter proved particularly damaging, with multiple calls influencing the outcome and leaving a lasting sense of injustice within the club.

Barcelona are quite concerned about the refereeing decisions. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Among those incidents was an early disallowed goal involving Fermin Lopez, where the decision hinged on a debatable interpretation of contact. 

Later in the match, another moment saw a foul on Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo in the build-up to a goal go unpunished.

The most controversial moment, however, involved Lamine Yamal. 

The young forward had a goal ruled out by a semi-automated offside decision described as being decided by the finest of margins. 

The available footage reportedly failed to provide clear evidence, leading to widespread frustration among players, coaching staff, and club officials.

There is more

Furthermore, there is a growing belief within the club that a pattern is emerging, particularly in matches where Del Cerro Grande has been involved in VAR decisions. 

The sense of deja vu has only intensified the reaction, with memories resurfacing of a previous controversial offside call involving Robert Lewandowski.

As a result, club president Joan Laporta is understood to be among those most vocal about these issues, especially given the potential impact on results during a decisive phase of the season.