Inter Milan’s victory over FC Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final was overshadowed by a controversial refereeing decision that left football fans divided.

Inter Milan’s victory over FC Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final was overshadowed by a controversial refereeing decision that left football fans divided. The San Siro was buzzing with celebrations, but Barcelona’s camp was engulfed in frustration after a late-game incident involving Lamine Yamal.

As the game reached its climax, Barcelona pushed hard for a comeback after trailing on aggregate. In the 88th minute, Lamine Yamal appeared to be fouled inside the box after an initial challenge outside. Yet, to the astonishment of many, the referee did not blow his whistle, and the VAR review did not intervene either. This decision left Barcelona players and fans alike in disbelief.

The incident sparked heated discussions among football experts and former referees. One of the most vocal critics was former FIFA referee Mateu Lahoz, who didn’t hold back during his appearance on Movistar+. Lahoz firmly stated, “There was a penalty on Lamine Yamal. It’s obvious. The defender touched him once outside the box, then again inside. This second foul caused him to fall. The referee should have blown his whistle.”

Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, known for his calm demeanor, couldn’t hide his frustration either. Speaking at the post-match conference, Flick openly criticized the decision: “I don’t understand how this play isn’t reviewed. At this level, it’s unacceptable.” His comments echoed the sentiment of many who believed that the decision had a direct impact on the match’s outcome.

Even Pedri, who rarely gets involved in controversies, expressed his disbelief, stating, “We all saw this penalty. And we can’t even contest it?” The mood within the Barcelona squad was a mix of pride for their effort and regret over the missed opportunity.

Football pundit Arsène Wenger, offering his analysis on beIN Sports, sided with the Catalans, describing the decision as a major oversight. Wenger pointed out that the combination of on-field errors and VAR’s silence created an impression of inconsistency, which undermines the integrity of the competition.

Lamine Yamal, just 17 years old, found himself at the center of the controversy. As the final whistle blew, the young talent was seen wiping away tears, clearly heartbroken over the incident that might have changed the course of the tie.

Despite the setback, Barcelona’s players tried to hold their heads high. Flick, while critical of the officiating, praised his team’s effort and resilience. “We gave everything on the pitch. Sometimes, football can be cruel,” he admitted.

The defeat marked a bittersweet end to Barcelona’s Champions League journey this season. While Inter Milan deserved credit for their performance, the shadow of the refereeing controversy loomed large over the celebration.

In the aftermath, social media erupted with debates, with some fans demanding an investigation into the officiating. The hashtag #JusticeForBarca trended worldwide, as supporters expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the match was handled.

Inter Milan, on the other hand, remained focused on their upcoming final. Coach Simone Inzaghi, when asked about the controversy, simply remarked, “Decisions are part of the game. We focused on our performance and deserved the victory.”

UEFA has yet to comment on the incident, but pressure is mounting from Barcelona and their fans for a formal review of the refereeing decisions made during the match. Some experts speculate that the controversy might prompt discussions about improving VAR protocols in crucial fixtures.

In the end, while Inter Milan advances to the final, the controversy surrounding Yamal’s penalty will continue to haunt Barcelona fans for some time. The feeling of injustice lingers, and many wonder if this was another case of VAR failing to deliver consistency when it mattered most.

Lamine Yamal’s rise continues despite the setback. The young forward remains a bright prospect for Barcelona, and the experience, albeit painful, might shape his character as he matures into a more resilient player. Fans will be eager to see how both he and the team bounce back in the seasons to come.