Barcelona to Demand Explanations After Eight-Minute VAR Delay Sparks Outrage

Barcelona will formally seek answers from competition officials after an eight-minute VAR review that ended with Pau Cubarsí’s potential goal being disallowed in Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Atlético. Interim president Rafa Yuste branded the prolonged wait “a disgrace” and promised the club will not let the matter rest.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Yuste said: “As president, I want to say that we will not let this stand and we will demand explanations. It’s unacceptable that eight minutes have to pass before we see what happens with a play.” The Catalans were already trailing at the Metropolitano when the incident occurred, and the decision deepened their frustration on a night that ended in a heavy defeat.

Head coach Hansi Flick and midfielder Frenkie de Jong both voiced sharp criticism of the delay, with De Jong insisting replays showed no offside. Yuste admitted he “woke up feeling awful” but urged supporters to rally for the return leg. “The hope and spirit of filling the stadium for the return leg and giving the team that morale boost, and why not think that we can turn things around,” he said.

Barcelona now face an uphill task to rescue the tie, yet the club’s hierarchy is determined to prioritise accountability over resignation as they await official correspondence on the episode.