Xavi Hernandez throws massive shade at officiating during Champions League game against PSG after Barcelona’s gutting home loss

Xavi Hernandez was less than pleased at the refereeing decisions that knocked him and his side out of the UCL.

Xavi Hernandez throws massive shade at officiating during Champions League game against PSG after Barcelona’s gutting home loss

Xavi Hernandez didn't hold back when criticizing the match official (Via X/@FabrizioRomano & centregoals)

It looked like FC Barcelona were on the cusp of reaching a Champions League semi-final for the first time in five years up until Ronald Araujo‘s red card. What happened afterwards was a complete undoing of Barcelona’s two-goal advantage in the tie, which ended in a 4-6 loss on aggregate. Following the game, Barcà boss Xavi Hernandez traced the origin of his side’s loss to one regrettable ‘decision’.

Ronald Araujo was caught in two minds when Bradley Barcola attempted to dribble past him. Through on goal, the young forward looked very likely to draw his side level in the game.

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In a last-ditch attempt, Araujo brought the player down on the edge of the box, which swiftly culminated in him being sent off by the referee. Following the full-time whistle, Xavi had words for the match official.

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It's a pity that the work of an entire season ends because of a refereeing decision. I told him (the referee) he was very bad. It's been strange refereeing.
Xavi Hernandez said in a post-match interview

With their hopes of a Champions League title coming to and end, Barcelona are extremely likely to go trophyless this season. They are eight points behind Real Madrid with 7 games to go in La Liga.

Barcelona boss Xavi sent off yet again after furious rant

Barcelona were at the mercy of Paris Saint-Germain as an early red card proved to be the undoing of an otherwise resolute Barcelona side. Ronald Araujo’s red card and Barcelona’s subsequent implosion meant that Xavi had a lot to fix for the second half. However, it was only a matter of time before tensions boiled over and Xavi was sent off!

Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez was sent off for kicking a board in frustration (Via X/@centregoals & MeduzaaOfficial)

Shortly after Araujo was sent off, Barcelona saw a decision not go their way. This culminated in Xavi kicking a signboard to the side and angrily ranting at the line referee.

Even Xavi wasn’t safe from the referee as he was promptly given his marching orders. In the second half, yet another coaching staff from Barca’s camp also saw red for his passionate reaction near the touchline.

Social media hasn’t been the same ever since as fans got into a debate as to whether Araujo really deserved to see red. While many criticized the referee for his wrong decisions, others said that what goes around comes around. Fans pointed to how FC Barcelona have received calls to their advantage several times in the past.

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