The race for the La Liga championship brings one clear reality: referees are facing unprecedented pressure from all angles, particularly as Real Madrid takes the lead in the season.

The reigning Spanish champions have expressed longstanding dissatisfaction with officiating in the league, most recently highlighted by Jude Bellingham receiving a straight red card during a 1-1 draw against Osasuna last week for allegedly insulting the referee.

In response, Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick has urged La Liga clubs to place greater trust in referees.

“We must have confidence in them, and the Football Association should demonstrate its strength. Referees are human and, just like coaches and players, they are bound to make mistakes,” Flick stated.

This season, the German coach has also had his share of disagreements with officials.

“We often look for excuses—when we lose, we tend to blame the referee. Yet, everyone is fallible. We need to support referees because the game cannot proceed without them,” he emphasized.

Currently, Barcelona is tied for first place with Real Madrid, and they are set to face Las Palmas away on Saturday (21).

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