By Oluwamayowa Fakande
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has pointed fingers at what he described as poor officiating after his side’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final.
The seven-goal thriller at the San Siro ended in heartbreak for the Spanish giants, who bowed out 7-6 on aggregate after extra time.
Despite mounting a spirited comeback to lead late in the match, Barca were undone by two late strikes from the Serie A champions.
Flick, clearly agitated, suggested that key refereeing calls tilted the balance in Inter’s favour. While refusing to go into detail, he made his displeasure known.
“Some decisions were fifty-fifty and they always went to Inter. That is football,” he said. “Sometimes you feel the referee’s decisions are unfair, but we must accept and move forward.”
Referee Szymon Marciniak’s handling of the match drew criticism from several quarters, with Barcelona feeling hard done by on multiple calls.
Despite the setback, Flick praised his players for their commitment and character.
“I am disappointed with the result, not with my team. They gave everything,” he said. “We will return stronger next season. This is a journey, and we will keep learning.”
Barcelona now shift focus to regrouping and reigniting their European quest next season.
