De Jong: ‘It’s a scandal’ after disallowed goal

February 15, 2026 Oliver Obel

Barcelona’s 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on February 12 was damaging enough. What lingered afterward, though, was not just the scoreline but a refereeing decision that left Frenkie de Jong openly questioning the use of technology in Spanish football.

Speaking to SportyTV comments later reported by Spanish outlet AS the Barcelona midfielder challenged the VAR ruling that wiped out what would have been his side’s only goal of the night.

“I saw an image where you can clearly see he’s not offside,” De Jong said.

“The image they showed on TV didn’t show the exact moment when Fermín kicked the ball. There’s an image of Fermín shooting while the defender is a metre away from Lewandowski.

“So, do you find it very strange? I can’t do anything about it, because… And I think if the image I saw isn’t AI… It’s a scandal because it’s very clear.”

The decision followed a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review after Pau Cubarsi found the net in the second half. Players stood waiting near midfield while both goalkeepers kept loose on the touchline, unsure whether play would restart at 3-1 or remain 3-0. Eventually, the goal was ruled out for offside in the buildup.

There was no immediate public response from match officials regarding De Jong’s remarks.

Atletico’s Early Surge

By the time controversy entered the conversation, Atletico had already put the tie in a commanding position.

Diego Simeone’s side struck after six minutes when Eric Garcia turned the ball into his own net under pressure. Barcelona looked unsettled, and eight minutes later Antoine Griezmann once a fan favorite at Camp Nou bent a shot beyond goalkeeper Joan Garcia to double the advantage.

Atletico’s intensity without the ball proved decisive. Quick recoveries in midfield repeatedly forced turnovers, and January signing Ademola Lookman capitalized in the 33rd minute, scoring for the second straight appearance since arriving in Madrid.

Julian Alvarez added a fourth in first-half stoppage time, finishing a sharp move to end an 11-match goal drought. The Metropolitano crowd sensed the tie slipping firmly in their favor before halftime.

Uphill Task in the Return Leg

Barcelona showed more composure after the break and briefly thought they had a foothold when Cubarsi scored, only for VAR to intervene. Their frustration deepened late on when Garcia was sent off for a challenge on Alex Baena with five minutes remaining.

The result leaves Hansi Flick’s side needing a near-perfect performance in the second leg on March 3 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where Barcelona are playing while Camp Nou undergoes renovation.

Before that, they travel to Girona in La Liga play on February 16 a match that may test both their defensive adjustments and their ability to quickly move past the debate over Wednesday’s officiating.

For now, the four-goal deficit tells the competitive story. De Jong’s comments ensure the technological one will linger.

Sources: AS, SportyTV