Fans Claim Barcelona Were ‘Robbed’ After Lewandowski Goal Ruled Out for Offside in 1-0 Defeat to Real Sociedad

Barcelona fans are fuming after a controversial decision to rule out Robert Lewandowski’s first-half goal for offside in their 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad. The strike, which came in the 13th minute, was overturned following a VAR review, sparking widespread backlash among supporters.

Lewandowski thought he had given Barcelona the lead, only for the goal to be disallowed after the VAR officials deemed his right foot to be offside, despite photos suggesting otherwise. The decision left many questioning the accuracy of the technology and whether the goal should have stood.

Twenty minutes later, Real Sociedad’s Sheraldo Becker scored the only goal of the match, further compounding Barcelona’s misery. However, it was the offside decision that dominated the post-match discussion.

Fans were particularly incensed by the video evidence, which seemed to show Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s foot slightly ahead of Lewandowski’s, rather than the reverse. The specific angle used in the VAR replay, however, obscured Lewandowski’s foot, leading to further confusion.

While La Liga employs semi-automated offside technology, some supporters pointed to the technology’s precision to argue that Lewandowski’s position was indeed offside. However, many questioned the fairness of the ruling, insisting that the decision was a mistake.

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration after the match but acknowledged that the team had to accept the VAR outcome. “There was no offside,” he insisted. “It was not his [Lewandowski’s] foot. But we have to accept it.” Flick also conceded that his team’s performance had declined after the initial strong 20 minutes, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.

Sports journalist Toni Juanmarti, who reviewed the incident repeatedly, called for La Liga to issue an apology, saying, “Even if the digital image shows it, it is clear in the real replay. La Liga will have to come out and apologise and give explanations.”

The controversy surrounding the offside call has sparked a wider debate about VAR’s role in football and whether decisions are being made with complete transparency. Fans are demanding more clarity from the authorities and, in some cases, an official apology.