Raphinha apologises after gesture taunting Atletico Madrid fans – ‘Not something aligned with my values’

Barcelona winger Raphinha has issued a public apology after being caught on camera taunting Atletico Madrid supporters during Tuesday’s Champions League elimination, admitting the moment ran contrary to his personal principles.

The Brazilian international, currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, watched from the stands as his team won 2-1 on the night but still exited the tie. In a heated exchange he gestured toward a section of Atletico fans and told them, “You’ll go home next round.”

Footage of the incident circulated quickly on social media, prompting Raphinha to respond on his personal accounts. “Sorry for my gesture — it’s not something aligned with my values and my character,” he wrote beneath the clip. “It happened on a tense moment as replying to a fan who was disrespecting me last night.”

The 27-year-old had already voiced his frustration with the match officials after the final whistle, claiming Barcelona were “robbed” by repeated refereeing errors. “To make a mistake is human, but for it to happen again in the second leg?” he said. “We played very well, but this tie has been stolen from us.”

Raphinha went on to criticise the lack of disciplinary action against Atletico, alleging numerous unchecked fouls and zero yellow cards shown to the Spanish side. “I really want to understand his fear that Barça might have gone through,” he added, hinting at possible bias.

UEFA has yet to comment on whether the winger’s post-match remarks or the gesture toward supporters will trigger a suspension.

Barcelona now turn their focus to domestic competition, while Raphinha continues his rehabilitation and awaits clarity on any potential disciplinary fallout.