7M - Raphinha Lashes Out at "Double Standards" as Barcelona’s Title Hopes Take a Hit

Barcelona winger Raphinha has sparked controversy by suggesting that LaLiga officials apply a different set of rules when officiating the Blaugrana. His frustrations went public following a damaging 2-1 defeat to Girona, a result that saw Hansi Flick’s men lose their grip on the top spot in the league standings.

The tension peaked after Girona’s 86th-minute winner, scored by Fran Beltran, which Barcelona players felt should have been ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Taking to Instagram, Raphinha didn't hold back: "It's very complicated when the rules change depending on who they are for. If we have to play against everyone to win, so be it."

This outburst follows a series of officiating grievances for the club, including a high-profile VAR reversal in their recent 4-0 Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid. Despite dominating possession and taking 27 shots against Girona—including a missed penalty by Lamine Yamal—Barca now find themselves trailing Real Madrid by two points. The statistical shift is equally stark; data models now favor Madrid for the title, leaving Barcelona to fight both their form and what they perceive as institutional inconsistency.