Home / Football / LaLiga News The rules are different for Barcelona: Raphinha hits out against Spanish referees after controversial Girona defeat Barcelona were incensed after losing to Girona last night and Raphinha has had his say Written by Jon Fisher Last Update: February 17, 2026 05:03:18 pm GMT 2 min read Barcelona winger Raphinha claims the rules are different for the Catalan side when compared to other La Liga teams but says they will continue to fight against everyone. The standards of refereeing in the Spanish top flight are again a major talking point following Barcas 2-1 defeat at Girona last night. The game was settled by a late goal for the home side, scored by Fran Beltran, that ought to have been disallowed for a foul in the build-up by Claudio Echeverri on Jules Kounde.Referee Cesar Soto Grado did not whistle for the infringement while VAR David Glvez Rascn refused to indicate any wrongdoing on Echeverris part.Barca were incensed with several players surrounding the referee but the goal stood.The visitors were also annoyed at the fact Lamine Yamals first-half penalty, which hit the post, was not retaken after Bryan Gil was shown to be inside the area before the ball was kicked. Gil then got to the loose ball before Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong.Raphinha blasts officiating but makes Barcelona vowRaphinha, who is one of the team captains at Camp Nou, went on Instagram this afternoon and outlined his frustration.He said: Well, we have many things to improve, but not just us. Its very complicated when the rules are different, whether theyre in your favour or against you, but if we have to play against everyone to win, so be it Well do it..It was the second defeat in five days for Hansi Flicks side, who were thrashed 4-0 at Atletico Madrid last Thursday in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.After losing to Atletico it was important to win today, and everyone is disappointed, Flick said. Were not doing well. Were not in a good moment. Now we have a week to work, and thats what well do. Well fight to come back in the coming weeks with a different mentality and a higher level. Train and play.The Girona setback means Barcelona are now two points behind table-topping Real Madrid after 24 rounds of the Liga season. Topics: FC Barcelona Follow us: Jon Fisher Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events. Read more from Jon Fisher
