This Saturday, FC Barcelona won against Mallorca in a controlled match from start to finish, especially on a technical level, but the confrontation was especially marked by an event which is now debated on social networks: the red card inflicted on Vedat Muriqi. While Barcelona dominated possession and multiplied the opportunities, the expulsion of the Mallorcan player changed the course of the meeting. The Catalans were able to take advantage of this numerical superiority to impose their rhythm and secure the result from half-time, but the arbitral decision overshadowed collective performance and relaunched the debate on equity in Liga.
Antonio Raillo, captain of Mallorca, did not hide his disagreement: “Yes, well … Raphinha's tackle was much stronger than that of Muriqi, who had no bad intention …”. The Mallorca coach has strengthened this frustration with an equally strong declaration: “It is a box that completely changes the course of the match, it was not justified. Our players had no intention of harming. »». These reactions reflect shared anger throughout the Baléare club and find an immediate echo in the Spanish press. Several newspapers, such as AS or Marcadenounce a disproportionate severity and an inconsistency in the use of the VAR. Some even speak of a decision that could influence the season and question the coherence of arbitration in Liga. A journalist from Deportivo Carruxela Spanish sports program, even clearly said that Raphinha's fault in the 47ᵉ minute largely deserved an expulsion from the Brazilian.
A victory tainted by arbitration
Despite this tense climate, Barça shone with its technique and its ability to mark on its highlights. Raphinha, author of an intense match, and Lamine Yamal, sparkling on his corridor, illustrated all the offensive power of the Catalan club. The supporters were able to savor a convincing victory, but the discussions around the red card continued to rage on social networks, recalling how an arbitral decision can become the center of all attention. Especially since the goal of Ferran Torres is also debated: on a shot from Lamine Yamal who knocks out Raillo in the area, Ferran Torres took the opportunity to score while the defenders of Mallorca were arrested, a validated goal despite the whistles and the dispute in the stadium.
In the end, Mallorca and Barcelona experienced a meeting that will remain in the heads throughout the year 2025-2026, not only for the result, but especially for the controversy that surrounded the match. Between the declarations of Antonio Raillo, of the Mallorca coach, the growing indignation of the Spanish media, the controversies around Muriqi, but also on the Assassin tackle of Raphinha, the tensions around the arbitration in Spain reached their climax. This red card could have repercussions beyond this meeting, influencing discussions on arbitration and liga in the coming weeks according to the Spanish press.
