Referee Stefano Rizzoli will have nightmares after Wednesday's clash between Atlético and Barcelona, as some of his calls were questionable and ended up deciding the outcome of the game.
Following his misjudgement after Luis Suárez threw an elbow at Diego Godin's face, the game's ref gave Atlético a penalty kick after Iniesta's flagrant handball. While some asked for a red card, being Iniesta the last man standing between Atlético's striker and the net, he chose not to send him off and booked him instead, but that decision would return to bite him in the back minutes later.
Did Iniesta's handball deserve a red card?
As time expired, the talented midfielder tried to send the ball into Atléticos's box, but his efforts were cancelled by a flagrant handball by Gabi, who was clearly inside the penalty area when the ball hit his hand. The ref decided not to give Barcelona the shot from the spot, and ended up handing them a free kick that was wasted by Messi.
In what world is this not a penalty?#FCB #AtletiFCB pic.twitter.com/RVmI0mGYNO
— Rick Strom (@RickStrom) April 13, 2016
Of course, fans didn't hold back and shared their thoughts after these controversial calls. Have a look at what they had to say.
Chelsea fans when Barcelona got denied a clear penalty via a blatant handball. pic.twitter.com/5b0S0tBWRn
— Dami (@TheChelseaWay) April 13, 2016
Gabi (Atletico): "Handball in area? Was handball, don't know if it was inside or outside. Sometimes you get good calls, sometimes bad ones."
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) April 13, 2016
It's 2016 & it's the biggest soccer competition on the planet. How do you miss that handball? #AtletiFCB
— Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) April 13, 2016
Barcelona being denied a legitimate last minute penalty for handball is THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
— George Martin (@Martillo42) April 13, 2016
Should've been a penalty lol #robbed
— Farris Hussein (@farrisxxx97) April 13, 2016
omg barca fans need to stop talking like victims. stop talking as if the denied penalty was the only reason you lost......
— ibha (@ibha_jaleel) April 13, 2016
Anyhow. Loads of Barca fans blaming the penalty decision. I'll sleep happy tonight.
— Khaqan (@Khaqan_CFC) April 13, 2016
Just seen Barca's penalty appeal. Clear penalty. Should feel hard done by. How was it not given - they only had the five referees @UEFA #UCL
— Shahan Chowdhury™ © (@shahanchowdhury) April 13, 2016