Raphinha says 'rules are different' as Barcelona protest Girona decision

Barcelona's shock 2-1 loss at Girona on Tuesday night turned on a chaotic late decision when Fran Beltran's 86th-minute strike was allowed to stand. Players surrounded referee Cesar Soto Grado, arguing that Claudio Echeverri had stepped on Jules Kounde’s foot in the build-up, yet the goal was not referred to the VAR monitor and the visitors were left visibly demoralised.

Hansi Flick tried to keep a measured tone while criticising his side's defensive positioning and an "open" midfield, asking reporters: "What do you think? A foul, right? No need to say anything more." He gave the squad two days off to recover from the emotional toll of the defeat.

Raphinha was more outspoken on social media, saying there were things to improve but that inconsistency in officiating made results complicated.

barcelona, girona, raphinha, var, jules kounde, fran beltran, cesar soto, claudio echeverri, hansi flick, officiating inconsistency