Barcelona midfielder Gavi has ignited a storm of controversy after suggesting on social media that a conspiracy may have influenced the club’s dramatic Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
The fiery second leg at the San Siro ended in heartbreak for Barça as Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage-time equalizer and Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner sealed an extraordinary 4-3 win on the night and 7-6 on aggregate for Inter.
Despite a valiant comeback sparked by goals from Eric García, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha, Barcelona’s hopes were dashed in the dying moments.
But the drama didn’t end with the final whistle.
Referee Szymon Marciniak faced intense criticism from the Blaugrana camp over a contentious first-half penalty and his decision not to send off Henrikh Mkhitaryan after a late challenge on Lamine Yamal.
Manager Hansi Flick, midfielder Pedri, and club president Joan Laporta all voiced their frustrations — but it was Gavi’s explosive Instagram post that drew the most attention.
“They didn’t want us to reach the final because they were afraid of the season we’re having,” Gavi wrote cryptically, fueling speculation and debate online.
While he didn’t name the referee directly, his comments have been widely interpreted as an accusation against the officiating team and UEFA.
Laporta echoed the sentiment, asserting that “refereeing decisions went against us” in a video statement.
The fallout adds another layer of drama to what is already being called one of the greatest Champions League semifinals in history.
