Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has expressed his clear frustration with the officiating in his team’s recent matches, stating that certain decisions are obvious for all to see.
The Uruguayan center-back made his comments following Barcelona’s 3-2 La Liga defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The match was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding a potential penalty for Barcelona when the score was 1-1.
In the 28th minute, Barcelona’s midfielder Fermín López was brought down inside the penalty area by Madrid’s defender Lucas Vázquez. The on-field referee, César Soto Grado, did not award a penalty, and the VAR officials did not intervene to recommend a review of the incident.
“The refereeing? There are things that are clear for everyone,” Araujo told reporters in the mixed zone after the final whistle. He did not elaborate further, but his message was unambiguous in its criticism.
This is not the first time Araujo has voiced his discontent with officials this season. After Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain on April 16, 2024, he was similarly critical. In that match, he was sent off in the 29th minute for a second yellow card, a decision that dramatically shifted the tie.
Reflecting on that red card, Araujo said, “I think the red card was too harsh. It was an action that happens in football. It’s very frustrating. This defeat hurts a lot.” His dismissal allowed PSG to mount a comeback and win the second leg 4-1, advancing to the semi-finals 6-4 on aggregate.
With the La Liga title now virtually out of reach after the Clásico loss, Barcelona’s main focus for the remainder of the 2023/2024 season will be securing second place. Looking further ahead, the club will aim to rebuild and mount a stronger challenge in the 2024/2025 campaign and beyond.
