Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hit out at officiating consistency after a VAR intervention saved Barcelona’s Gerard Martín from a red card during a 2-1 defeat for the hosts.
Diego Simeone criticized refereeing standards after Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Barcelona. The flashpoint occurred when Mateu Busquets rescinded a red card shown to Gerard Martín following a challenge on Tiago Almada.
Comparing the incident to previous league rulings, Simeone remarked, “The incident is clear: he was late with his challenge, he stepped on the foot and ankle, and we must wait for the committee’s explanation.”
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick defended the decision, arguing, “Gerard touched the ball and there was no foul to begin with.”
The tension sets a volatile backdrop for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final rematch at the Camp Nou.
Despite losing Nico González to a separate red card, Simeone lamented the tactical shift, noting his side “defended as best we could” but ultimately failed to secure a draw.