The FC Barcelona and Real Betis match ended in a frustrating draw for the Culés, leaving a bitter taste in their mouths. However, the post-match events added another layer of drama, with a heated exchange between Brazilian winger Raphinha and his own goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen. The incident stemmed from the referee’s decision not to award Barcelona a late corner kick, a call that sparked outrage among several Blaugrana players. Raphinha, visibly furious, kicked a ball in frustration and attempted to confront the referee. His teammate, Robert Lewandowski, and coach Hansi Flick intervened to prevent a further escalation.
The most tense moment occurred when Raphinha, still seething, made his way to the locker room. He was intercepted by Ter Stegen, who, injured and out of uniform, attempted to calm the situation and prevent Raphinha from incurring further punishment. Raphinha, however, reacted brusquely, shoving the goalkeeper aside. It’s important to note that Raphinha’s anger didn’t seem directed at Ter Stegen; it was clearly focused on the referee’s decisions. Flick and Ter Stegen managed to escort Raphinha to the dressing room without further incident, and remarkably, the referee, Gil Manzano, made no mention of the altercation in his official report, averting a potential suspension for the Brazilian player.
In his post-match press conference, Flick played down the incident, jokingly suggesting that Raphinha’s anger was directed at him, not the referee. This is not the first time Raphinha has been involved in a post-match controversy. In March, he was involved in the Argentina vs. Brazil match, where he’d promised Argentina a ‘drubbing’ – a promise the Argentinian players ensured was not fulfilled. The incident serves as another example of Raphinha’s fiery temperament and his tendency to let his emotions get the better of him on the pitch. While the confrontation with Ter Stegen didn’t escalate into a major incident, it highlights a recurring theme in the player’s behavior: a struggle to manage frustration and disappointment.
