Do referees favour Barcelona in Europe? Our study says no

13:22, 09 Mar 2011
Miguel Delaney

Out of 15 'borderline' decisions in knock-out games under Pep Guardiola, seven went for Barcelona and eight went against.

After Robin van Persie’s ridiculous red card last night, there has been an element of debate over whether referees “favour” Barcelona in Europe. In the Daily Mail today Martin Samuel wrote “it would make a refreshing change if just once Barcelona could win this tournament without being set on their way by the obliging incompetence of a match official. For the clueless Tom Henning Ovrebo against Chelsea in 2009, read the merciless Massimo Busacca in 2011.”

To some, particularly Arsene Wenger, the outcome would have been markedly different had Van Persie stayed on the pitch. However, the outcome could also have been markedly different had Leo Messi’s marginal offside call in the first leg been allowed or the same player been awarded a penalty before half-time.

Mindful of this counter-balance as well as the copious conspiracy theories around referees and Uefa, we decided to look at all of the marginal calls involved in Barcelona’s Champions League knock-out games under Pep Guardiola. The point was not to express judgment on any of them, merely to lay them out and say whether they went for or against Barcelona.

As ever, it appears accusations of bias on either side are illusory. The marginal calls generally even out.

Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea, 2009 SF

Against Barcelona           0-1

Jose Bosingwa grabs Thierry Henry in the box. Penalty appeal turned down.

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona, 2009 SF

For Barcelona                    1-1

Dani Alves tugs Florent Malouda who falls around edge of box. Ref rules outside.

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona, 2009 SF

For Barcelona                    2-1

Eric Abidal tugs Didier Drogba’s shirt as the striker goes through on goal. No penalty or red card.

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona, 2009 SF

Against Barcelona           2-2

Aric Abidal sent off for colliding with Nicolas Anelka.

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona, 2009 SF

For Barcelona                    3-2

Ball hits Gerard Pique’s hand in the box. No penalty given.

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona, 2009 SF

For Barcelona                    4-2

Ball hits Seydou Keita’s arm in the box. No penalty given.

Arsenal 2-2 Barcelona, 2010 QF

Against Barcelona           4-3

Carlos Puyol and Cesc Fabregas collide. Penalty given, Puyol sent off

Inter 3-1 Barcelona, 2010 SF

For Barcelona                    5-3

Samuel Eto’o in through on goal only to be called for offside in borderline decision.

Inter 3-1 Barcelona, 2010 SF

Against Barcelona           5-4

Milito in offside position when Sneijder takes preceding touch. Scores and goal given.

Inter 3-1 Barcelona, 2010 SF

Against Barcelona           5-5

Wesley Sneijder brings down Dani Alves in the box. Alves booked for diving.

Barcelona 1-0 Inter, 2010 SF

For Barcelona                    6-5

Sergio Busquets goes down after Thiago Motta palms face. Notoriously peeks at referee. Motta is sent off.

Barcelona 1-0 Inter, 2010 SF

Against Barcelona           6-6

Bojan Krkic scores but goal disallowed because ball struck Yaya Toure’s arm. Debate over “ball to hand” ensues.

Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona, 2011 last-16

Against Barcelona           6-7

Leo Messi scores but goal disallowed for offside. Replays suggest it was onside.

Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal, 2011 last-16

Against Barcelona           6-8

Leo Messi brought down on edge of box. Penalty not given.

Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal, 2011 last-16

For Barcelona    7-8

Robin Van Persie given second booking for shooting after whistle had blown.

Read Miguel Delaney’s analysis of Barcelona’s win here: http://bit.ly/dMMxvx

Follow him on twitter here: twitter.com/MDelaneyST