Barcelona president Joan Laporta has strongly criticized the decision not to give a penalty for Jules Koundé in their 1-1 draw against Getafe on Saturday.
In the 81st minute, Koundé was brought down by Christantus Uche while trying to reach a cross at the far post. However, the referee and VAR did not consider it a foul.
Despite Barcelona’s efforts to score a winning goal, they were unable to break through Getafe’s defense. The result extended their winless streak in LaLiga to four games, putting them seven points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
Laporta also mentioned a similar incident in Real Madrid’s win over Getafe in December, where a penalty was awarded for a challenge by Allan Nyom on Antonio Rüdiger. He questioned why Barcelona didn’t get the same decision.
“The refereeing in the game against Getafe was an absolute disgrace,” Laporta told reporters on Monday when asked about the Koundé incident.
“Not giving a penalty for the foul on Koundé is a scandal. A scandal. I think you should watch it back again and again because it’s scandalous.”
While Barça have struggled in LaLiga, their cup performances have been much better. They recently won the Spanish Supercopa with a convincing 5-2 victory over Madrid and have advanced to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Next, they focus on the Champions League with an upcoming away match against Benfica on Tuesday. A win would help them avoid the knockout round and move directly to the round of 16.
Off the pitch, the club is working to secure long-term contracts for their young talents. After renewing Ronald Araújo’s deal last week, sources say midfielders Pedri and Gavi are also close to signing new contracts, as their current ones expire in 2026.
A source revealed that Pedri’s contract extension is expected to be announced by February at the latest, depending on when the club decides to finalize the deal.
The Spanish midfielder is having a great season after overcoming his recent injury struggles.
Meanwhile, defender Eric García might still leave Barcelona this month. Girona’s sporting director, Quique Cárcel, has confirmed the club’s interest in bringing him back after his loan spell with them last season.
“We wanted to sign him in the summer and our intention is to try and bring him in again,” Cárcel told DAZN. “But it depends on Barça’s conditions being realistic for us in terms of what we can do.”