Hansi Flick Criticizes VAR Decision as Barcelona's Winning Streak Ends Against Real Sociedad

Posted : 11 November 2024

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his frustration over a disallowed goal by Robert Lewandowski in their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Sunday. Flick criticized the decision, made using the semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), which ruled out Lewandowski's 14th-minute strike for a marginal offside.

The technology, introduced in Spain this season, showed that Lewandowski's toe was slightly ahead of Real Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd's foot. Flick believed the call was incorrect but acknowledged it as part of the game, noting that such errors occur even with technological aid.

The match's only goal came from Sheraldo Becker, ending Barcelona's seven-game winning streak across all competitions and marking the first time this season that Flick's team failed to score. Despite the setback, Flick emphasized that it was not the referee's fault, stating, "We are all humans and we make mistakes." He admitted to voicing his concerns during halftime but clarified that his interaction with the referee was calm, not confrontational. Flick suggested that the disallowed goal could have changed the game's outcome but accepted the decision and moved on.

The use of SAOT, which is not yet implemented across all European leagues, remains a topic of debate. While Serie A in Italy was the first to adopt it, its introduction in the Premier League has been delayed due to ongoing testing.

Flick expressed his disappointment over the technology's failure in this instance but stressed that it was not a reflection of the referee's performance. He believed that if Lewandowski's goal had stood, it could have altered the match dynamics, but ultimately, Barcelona struggled offensively, failing to create clear scoring chances in the final third.

The loss marked Barcelona's second league defeat this season and saw their lead at the top of LaLiga reduced to six points, with Real Madrid having a game in hand. Additionally, the absence of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who was sidelined with an ankle injury from the Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade, was noticeable.

Flick downplayed suggestions that the defeat was solely due to Yamal's absence, attributing the result to a lack of clear offensive opportunities. He added that the decision on Yamal's participation in Spain's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures would be made by the club and national team doctors. Barcelona will next face Celta Vigo after the international break on November 23.

Hansi Flick Criticizes VAR Decision as Barcelona's Winning Streak Ends Against Real Sociedad

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