'Rules Are Different For...': Barcelona's Raphinha Tears Into La Liga Refereeing

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 21:40 IST

Raphinha criticized La Liga refereeing after Barcelona lost 2-1 to Girona, citing a missed foul on Jules Kounde before Fran Beltran's winner and ongoing complaints to RFEF and CTA.

Barcelona superstar Raphinha slammed the alleged refereeing double standards in La Liga on Tuesday after his side fell to a 2-1 defeat at Girona, which saw them slip to second behind Real Madrid.

The major cause of flare-up for the Catalans was a decision to allow Girona’s late winner to stand after what they considered to be a foul on Barca defender Jules Kounde in the build-up. Girona number 14 Claudio Echeverri was seen stepping on Koundé’s foot before Fran Beltrán’s goal, but the incident was not given as a free kick on the pitch before being ignored by VAR.

It came hot on the heels of Barcelona writing to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Refereeing Committee (CTA) about the supposed inconsistencies in decision-making in their matches after the controversially disallowed goal in their 4-0 Copa del Rey defeat by Atletico Madrid last week.

“We have a lot to improve on, but not just us," Raphinha posted on social media. “It’s very complicated when the rules are different whether it’s for you or against you, but if we have to play against everyone to win, it’s OK… We’re going to do it."

How Barcelona lost to Girona

After Madrid’s win over Real Sociedad, Hansi Flick’s side needed victory to reclaim top spot but were undone in a dramatic derby at Montilivi.

Barcelona dominated an open first half but failed to capitalise. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha went close, while Girona’s Vladyslav Vanat squandered several chances. The visitors were handed a golden opportunity when Dani Olmo was fouled in the box, yet Yamal struck the post from the penalty spot.

Barca eventually broke through in the 59th minute as Pau Cubarsi headed home from Jules Kounde’s cross. However, Girona responded swiftly, with Thomas Lemar converting Vanat’s pass after slipping away from Eric Garcia.

The momentum swung decisively in Girona’s favour despite a string of fine saves from Joan Garcia. Fran Beltran sealed the comeback three minutes from time, firing in from the edge of the area. Barcelona were left frustrated after a perceived foul on Kounde in the build-up went unpunished.

Girona finished with 10 men after Joel Roca’s late dismissal, but it mattered little as they celebrated a famous victory, deepening Barcelona’s recent struggles.

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