Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong slams referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
The result ended the La Liga leaders’ 11-game winning streak. Consequently, their advantage over Real Madrid has been cut to just one point.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Gonçalo Guedes scored for the hosts. Marcus Rashford briefly equalised for Barcelona, but controversial officiating dominated the post-match reaction.
Frenkie De Jong slams referee for arrogance
De Jong, Barcelona’s captain, expressed anger at Manzano’s demeanour. He claimed the official refused to engage in respectful dialogue.
“I tried to talk to him and he looks at me with a face like he is better than me,” De Jong told reporters. “It’s very frustrating. You can’t behave like that.”
The Dutch midfielder also questioned the added time decisions. “To not add even 10 seconds more seems crazy to me,” he added. “And I said that to the referee and he booked me.”
Flick backs Frenkie De Jong criticism
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick supported his player’s assessment. Although usually reserved regarding officials, Flick admitted Frenkie de Jong slams referee with justification.
“I heard what Frenkie said and he’s right,” Flick stated. “Everyone on the television and in the stadium saw his performance. We have to accept it.”
When asked about Manzano’s perceived arrogance, Flick added, “Everyone knows that… It’s not nice, but OK.”
Barcelona rue missed chances
Despite the controversy, Barcelona created enough opportunities to win. They recorded an expected goals (xG) of 3.69 and hit the woodwork four times.
Rashford’s 70th-minute header was their only reward. Guedes restored Real Sociedad’s lead just a minute later.
Home coach Pellegrino Matarazzo praised his side’s resilience. “The heart the players put on the pitch was very special,” he said.
De Jong slams referee amidst disappointment
The defeat leaves Barcelona with areas to improve ahead of their Champions League clash with Slavia Prague. Flick lamented the defensive lapse immediately after scoring.
However, the primary talking point remains the officiating. As Frenkie de Jong slams referee conduct, the pressure at the top of La Liga intensifies significantly.
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