Referees' Technical Committee: "Girona's Second Goal Against Barcelona Should Have Been Disallowed"

T.E (Elbotola)

24 February 2026at20:53

The Referees' Technical Committee (CTA) has issued its report on controversial refereeing decisions from La Liga's 24th round, one week after the match between Girona and Barcelona (2-1) concluded.

The committee, affiliated with the Spanish Football Federation, confirmed that Girona's second goal should have been disallowed due to a foul by player Etxeberria on Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.

The Referees' Committee acknowledged that the match referee, Soto Grado, should have consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to award a foul against Etxeberria for stepping on Kounde's foot, and issued a yellow card. Consequently, the goal that secured all three points for Girona against Barcelona should not have stood.

It is worth noting that Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga last weekend after defeating Levante (3-0) and rivals Real Madrid stumbled against Osasuna (2-1).

Q&A

What was the controversy surrounding Girona's second goal against Barcelona?

Girona's second goal against Barcelona was controversial as the Referees' Technical Committee confirmed Etxeberria fouled Jules Kounde. VAR should have been consulted for the foot-step, implying the goal should have been disallowed.

What was the immediate implication of Girona's controversial second goal standing?

The controversial second goal secured all three points for Girona against Barcelona. The Referees' Technical Committee confirmed it should have been disallowed, directly impacting the match's final score and points distribution.

FC Barcelona

Girona FC

Spanish La Liga