Barcelona boss Xavi SLAMS the referee’s performance after handing out three red cards in defeat to PSG… as Spaniard questions Ronaldo Araujo’s ‘unnecessary’ dismissal

Barcelona coach Xavi branded Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs’s performance disastrous after he showed three red cards in Paris Saint Germain’s 6-4 Champions League quarterfinal win at the Olympic Stadium.

The biggest blow to Barça came on the half hour when Ronald Araujo was adjudged to have brought down Bradley Barcola just before he burst into the area.

‘The decision completely changed the game,’ said the Barcelona coach. ‘It was too much to give a red card.

‘I told the referee his performance was very bad. He was a disaster. He killed the tie.’

Xavi was late sent off for dissent – it was his third dismissal from the touchline of the season. It’s four reds and 22 yellows since he became Barça boss.

Afterwards, Xavi slammed the officials for sending off the defender and two staff members

Goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon De la Fuente was also sent off for protesting.

‘We were upset and very angry,’ added Xavi. ‘With eleven against eleven we were well organised. We almost equalized through Gundogan and the 2-0 with Robert Lewandowski would have change it too. We had clear chances but we were always trailing because with ten men it’s very difficult.

‘It’s a shame that the work of a season is finished because of a refereeing decision. I would have liked to play eleven against eleven every minute. This sending off is unnecessary.’

Luis Enrique said: ‘We started brilliantly and we knew it was going to be a game with goals. We were prepared for any scenario. In a spectacular move from Lamine (Yamal), we conceded a goal but we showed maturity. For me it’s a sending off (of Araujo) and we played a very complete game.

‘I don’t usually judge. I try to put myself in the referee’s shoes. I try to protest little or not at all and tell my players to control their emotions. 

Xavi was shown a red card for dissent by referee Istvan Kovacs late into the match

‘Today we took a big step forward in terms of maturity. We’re through and we’re going to play Dortmund, who won our group so it will not be easy.’

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen added: ‘We are very disappointed.

‘The foul on Araujo can be given. When they scored the third we had to give more in the game and take more risks. I

‘n the end they have a lot of quality up front and every chance is a danger. They scored four against us and it’s hard to understand.’