#2 Controversial refereeing in favour of Barcelona
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This is a contentious issue, but there’s good reason for this to make it to the list. Neutrals will admit that Barcelona have always had the rub of the green when it comes to dubious refereeing decisions. Refereeing is no easy task, but officiating in a match involving the Catalan giants is a task made tougher because of the millions of eyes trained on the man in black in the middle and his every decision.
Referees are often subject to criticism from all corners during the match; from the manager on the touchline, the players, and even the fans. The added pressure of giving a decision against Barcelona could convince referees to give decisions in favour of them instead.
A majority of the penalties for Barcelona may have been rightly awarded thanks to Barca's quick-thinking forwards and their unreal skills, flicks and tricks.
But, there have also been many match-winning, game-changing penalties that altered the course of history, which were dubious calls by the referee, often pressurised to make a decision by the crowd, the players, or an exaggerated fall at the slightest hint of a touch by the opposition.
The fans in the Nou Camp recently waved white handkerchiefs at the officials for what they perceived to be bad refereeing against their beloved club.
Barcelona players have been accused of diving to win penalties and also feigning injury to get their opponents booked. The stats back up the claim of referees possibly favouring the club; the Catalan club have been awarded 47 penalties in the last five seasons, three more than rivals, Real Madrid, while they had just 13 penalties given against them, compared to 22 awarded against Real Madrid.
One memorable match which was controversial and lives in the memory of football fans for all the wrong reasons is the Barcelona-Chelsea game from 2009 in the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Chelsea were denied at least four clear penalties, while a late Iniesta goal saw Barcelona through to the finals on away goals.
There was more controversy in last year’s Champions League quarter-finals when fellow Spanish club, Atletico Madrid, bore the brunt of silly refereeing decisions. Fernando Torres was wrongly sent off in the eyes of many, while Luis Suarez – who has a reputation of going down easily and having a temper to rival the mafioso – escaped punishment for two off-the-ball incidents, which many claimed to be red card-worthy.
UEFA-lona, a term coined by rival fans which suggest that Barcelona are favoured by UEFA, is bandied about on social media for what they consider is injustice and clear favouritism towards the Catalan club.
