The Atlético defender, already on a yellow card, stopped a live ball inside his own area with his hand after a short goal-kick. While Barcelona demanded a penalty and a second yellow for Pubill, referee Istvan Kovacs and VAR ruled that play had not properly restarted, ordering a retake instead.
“It’s a clear red card, well a second yellow card and a penalty,” Flick told reporters. He questioned the purpose of VAR, saying, “I can’t believe it’s not reviewed. Why do we have VAR?” The German coach also made a sarcastic remark about the VAR official’s nationality, adding, “Thanks Germany.” His frustration was compounded by Pau Cubarsí’s earlier red card, which Flick accepted more reluctantly.
While Flick admitted the Cubarsí decision was debatable, he called the handball non-call “unbelievable” and “unfair.” Despite the 0-2 aggregate deficit, he insisted Barcelona had the quality to turn the tie around in the second leg at the Metropolitano.