Rafinha Drops a Cryptic Hint After Barca’s Battle for Fair Play in La Liga

Context and Controversy

Rafinha, Barcelona's winger, posted a cryptic message on social media about the Catalan giants facing what he called a refereeing injustice in La Liga.

In the Catalan derby, Barca lost 2-1 after a controversial moment in the 80th minute, when a Girona attacker challenged Jules Koundé near the edge of the box, a lead-up sequence that culminated in Fran Beltrán's go-ahead goal.

Barcelona's players protested the decision vigorously, not only at the moment Koundé hit the ground but throughout the celebration and in postmatch comments.

Rafinha's Message and Aftermath

Rafinha wrote on Instagram: "Okay, we have a lot to improve, but it's not just about us."

"It's very complicated when rules change depending on whether it's in your favor or against you, but if we have to play against everyone to win, we're ready... we'll do it."

The Spanish referees' technical committee subsequently deemed that there was a missed call in favor of Koundé on the play leading to Girona's goal.

Barça thus dropped to second place, with 58 points, trailing Real Madrid on 60.

— End of recap —

Punchline 1: The whistle must have confidence issues—every time Barca gets a call, it sounds like it wants a coffee break.

Punchline 2: If officiating were art, Montilivi would be a modern gallery exhibit called “Offside and Uplifted Eyebrows.”