What's the story?
Barcelona suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat at the hands of Malaga last night with the Catalans losing more ground in their race for the La Liga crown with Real Madrid. Again, the match was marred by numerous refereeing decisions which changed the course of the game.
Also Read: Neymar likely to miss the El Clasico due to suspension
Referee Gil Manzano dismissed Neymar in the 65th minute, ruled out a fair Malaga goal for offside and denied Barcelona a stonewall penalty. A horror decision to not award an obvious penalty has resulted in intense criticism of the referee from all corners.
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Manzano was embroiled in yet another controversy in February when he awarded Real Madrid a controversial penalty against Malaga. The president of Villarreal, Fernando Roig later made a shocking claim where he said to Radio Marca that, “Gil Manzano and his assistants have left with the bags of Real Madrid”.
Manzano's car had a sign with the word “Thieves” written on it after the game. A picture of the referee and his assistants also emerged after the game with them holding Real Madrid bags in their hands.
The heart of the matter
With 12 minutes left for the final whistle, Barcelona were trying everything in their might to score an equaliser against Malaga. Sergi Roberto was brought down by two Malaga defenders inside the box, though the referee whistled immediately, he shockingly awarded Barcelona a free kick on the edge of the box. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique was incensed on the touchline as he could not believe the decision made by referee Manzano.
Earlier, Neymar first received a booking for obstructing a Malaga freekick though his manager later said that the Brazilian was just tying his shoe laces. He later received the marching orders for a challenge on Diego Llorente as he clapped towards the referee after being sent off. This gesture might land him in trouble as Neymar might miss the much awaited El Clasico on April 23.
What's next?
The Catalans are expected to appeal Neymar's red card but the denied penalty hurt the Catalans more. Had the referee taken the right decision, Barcelona would have equalised with 10 minutes remaining and would have avoided an upset against the 15th ranked team in La Liga.
Also Read: Luis Enrique: Neymar red curious, but we are used to it
In news which may add salt to Barcelona's wounds, Gil Manzano will officiate the most important match of Barcelona's season against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Author's Take
In a poor performance by Lionel Messi and crew, it was the match officials who again stole the limelight in a crucial fixture. This has been a regular occurrence this season in La Liga and the Spanish FA must address this issue quickly with important games coming up soon in the season.
The real winners in the match between FC Barcelona and Malaga turned out to be Real Madrid and the advocates of Video Assistant Referees.
