Barcelona began the defense of its Spanish league title on Sunday with much complaining but no celebrating. In a 0-0 draw against Getafe in their league opener, Barcelona failed to overcome Raphinha’s first-half red card for elbowing an opponent and then didn’t get a VAR decision to go in their favour late in the match.
Raphinha was sent off in the 42nd minute after hitting Getafe defender Gastón Lvarez on the head with his right elbow while fighting for position in attack. Barcelona played with one less player until Jaime Mata of Getafe was sent after receiving a second yellow for a tackle on Ronald Araujo in the 57th minute.
“If this is the product that the Spanish league wants to sell, then it’s an embarrassment,” stated Barcelona coach Xavi, who was sent off in the 70th minute for arguing with referees about a foul not being called.
After Araujo was fouled inside the area about ten minutes into stoppage time, Barcelona felt it had a penalty kick, but a video review determined that Barcelona midfielder Gavi had handled the ball in the buildup. This gave Barcelona greater cause to complain.
“That handball didn’t exist,” Xavi said. “They had said that only the very clear handballs would be called, and that’s not what happened. It was very unfair.”