Referee explains why Barcelona were not awarded penalty vs Las Palmas

An insight into the reasoning behind Barcelona not being awarded a late penalty in the club’s meeting with Las Palmas earlier today has been provided.

Hansi Flick’s troops were of course back in action a short time ago, locking horns with lowly Las Palmas in Catalunya’s capital.

When all was said and done, the Blaugrana were condemned to a shock defeat, owing to goals on the part of Sandro Ramírez and Fábio Silva.

The eventual result, however, did not come without its controversies.

With 88 minutes on the clock at Montjuïc, Pau Cubarsí went to ground in the Las Palmas penalty area.

Ensuing replays showcased the fact that the youngster had clearly been caught on the heel by Mika Mármol, amid widespread calls for a spot-kick to be awarded.

In the end, however, no such decision was forthcoming.

As much left Barcelona’s stars nothing short of furious, with Cubarsí and defensive partner Iñigo Martínez having been quick to remonstrate with referee Adrian Cordero.

And, as alluded to above, late this evening, the official’s response has been revealed.

As confirmed by the Movistar cameras in attendance at the clash, and relaid by Mundo Deportivo, Cordero was adamant that the lack of intent on Mármol’s part was the decisive factor:

“Nothing, nothing… He’s looking at the ball! He doesn’t see you, he doesn’t see you, he doesn’t see you…”

Conor Laird – GSFN