Pedri Sparks Controversy Over Missed Penalty Call in La Liga Clash
The incident occurred in the 68th minute when Pedri, charging into the penalty area, appeared to be clipped by Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger.
FC Barcelona’s young star Pedri. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
In a thrilling La Liga encounter on May 11, 2025, FC Barcelona’s young star Pedri ignited a firestorm of debate following a contentious refereeing decision during a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The midfielder passionately claimed that Barcelona was denied a “very clear” penalty, which he also believed warranted a red card for the offending player.
The incident occurred in the 68th minute when Pedri, charging into the penalty area, appeared to be clipped by Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger.
Referee Juan Martínez Munuera waved play on, and VAR officials upheld the decision, much to the frustration of the Barcelona camp. “I believe the penalty was very clear and should have also resulted in a red card,” Pedri stated post-match.
“These are things that probably won’t be discussed much today, but I think it’s important to address them and make it clear that, in my opinion, it was definitely a penalty.”Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, echoed Pedri’s sentiments, calling the decision “a turning point” in a match where Barcelona trailed by a single goal. “We deserved a chance to equalize,” Flick said.
Conversely, Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti defended the call, noting, “The referee and VAR saw it as a fair challenge. These decisions balance out over a season.”
Fans and analysts were quick to weigh in. Social media platforms buzzed with Barcelona supporters decrying the officiating, while some neutral observers argued the contact was minimal.
La Liga pundit Guillem Balagué remarked, “Pedri’s conviction highlights the growing tension around refereeing consistency in crucial matches.”
The missed call proved costly, as Barcelona failed to overturn the deficit, with Vinícius Júnior sealing Madrid’s victory in stoppage time.
The result leaves Barcelona four points behind Real Madrid in the title race with eight games remaining.Pedri’s outspoken comments underscore broader concerns about officiating in La Liga, where technology like VAR continues to spark debate.
Ultimately, Barcelona fought to the fullest and secured victory of 4-3 against La Liga giants Barcelona.
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