While the time-keeping and attitude of the referee were major sticking points, the most contentious issue of the night was undoubtedly the disallowed goals. The headline statistic of three goals being ruled out paints a picture of a chaotic evening, but one decision, in particular, drew De Jong’s ire: the strike by Lamine Yamal in the first half.
The goal was chalked off for offside, a decision that altered the complexion of the match. However, De Jong revealed a stunning conversation he had with the fourth official on the touchline, which contradicts the on-field decision. "The refereeing question was about the goal disallowed for Lamine Yamal in the first half," De Jong noted. "If it is offside, nothing happens, although we have been told that it was not. I spoke to the fourth official and he told me [it wasn't offside]."
De Jong pointed out that this isn't the first time Barcelona have felt aggrieved at this particular stadium. "Last year something similar happened here," he recalled. The confusion surrounding the decision added to the sense of injustice, with De Jong suggesting that even the officials on the sidelines were unsure why the goal did not stand.