The most widely circulated shocking scene right now across the entire world due to what happened in the first match of La Liga between Real Mallorca and Barcelona

The opening clash of the 2025/26 La Liga season between Real Mallorca and Barcelona has already ignited controversy, with one particular moment dominating headlines across Spain and beyond. What should have been remembered as the first chapter in a new campaign has instead turned into a global talking point, leaving fans, pundits, and even players stunned.

The incident unfolded midway through the first half when Barcelona forward Raphinha went in with a reckless challenge on Real Mallorca’s Mateu Morey. The Brazilian, who had already been heavily involved in the match, appeared to lose control as he lunged forward with both feet, catching Morey in a manner that many believe warranted a straight red card.

To the astonishment of fans in the stadium and millions watching worldwide, referee Munuera Montero only issued a yellow card. Even more controversially, the VAR officials, who had the power to review the incident, opted not to intervene. This decision has sparked outrage, with many insisting that the technology failed in its fundamental purpose of ensuring fairness and protecting players.

Spanish refereeing specialists, including Archivo VAR, were quick to condemn the call. “This is a direct red card,” their analysis declared bluntly. “Raphinha completely forgets the ball and goes straight into Morey’s support leg with both feet forward. VAR and the referee have forgiven what should have been an obvious expulsion.” Their verdict echoed what countless fans had already been shouting on social media.

The fallout has been immediate and widespread. Videos of the challenge have gone viral across platforms, amassing millions of views in just hours. Football supporters across Europe and beyond are questioning how such a blatant incident could be overlooked, while some have accused La Liga of inconsistency in its officiating standards.

For Barcelona, the incident casts an uncomfortable shadow over their opening match. The club had hoped to make a strong statement in their bid to reclaim the league title, but instead, much of the attention has shifted away from tactics, goals, and performances to this single refereeing controversy. Even those who celebrated Barcelona’s resilience are being forced to answer questions about whether they benefited unfairly from refereeing leniency.

For Real Mallorca, the sense of injustice is even greater. Morey, who was visibly in pain after the challenge, continued the match but struggled to find his rhythm. His teammates and coaching staff were incensed, repeatedly appealing to the officials, only to be ignored. Club insiders have hinted at filing an official complaint, insisting that decisions like this can influence the course of a season.

This is not the first time Spanish refereeing has come under the microscope. In recent years, VAR decisions have repeatedly stirred debate, and critics argue that the system lacks transparency and consistency. The Mallorca-Barcelona clash may now stand as another defining case study of how officiating errors can overshadow the game itself.

Meanwhile, the global media has seized on the drama. Headlines in Spain, England, Italy, and even South America are describing the incident as “scandalous” and “a black mark on La Liga’s opening weekend.” For a league that prides itself on being among the world’s best, such moments undermine credibility at the very start of the season.

Despite the controversy, Raphinha himself has remained silent, offering no public comment on the challenge. Barcelona’s camp has also avoided direct remarks, focusing instead on their overall performance. But privately, insiders suggest that the club knows they were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men in such a pivotal early fixture.

As debates rage on, one thing is certain: this opening La Liga match will not be remembered for goals or glory but for a refereeing decision that shook confidence in the system designed to prevent precisely such controversies. Fans are left asking the question: if VAR cannot address incidents as clear as this, what is it truly for?