Barcelona start season with chaotic win over Mallorca: 2 red cards, 2 disputed goals

Refereelona Chants Mar Barcelona’s Controversial Season Opener.

Barcelona’s La Liga title defence began with three points but also with a storm of controversy, as chants of “Refereelona” echoed through the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Saturday, August 16.

VAR IGNITES EARLY FURY

The drama started in the 7th minute when Raphinha struck Barcelona’s opener after receiving a pass from Lamine Yamal, who appeared to keep the ball in play even after it had crossed the line. With no conclusive camera angle and VAR refusing to intervene, Mallorca’s protests were waved away—fuelling anger among the home fans.

HEAD INJURY INCIDENT

Things escalated in the 23rd minute when Yamal’s thunderous strike hit Mallorca captain Antonio Rallo on the head, leaving him sprawled on the pitch. As players pleaded for the game to be stopped, Ferran Torres capitalised on the loose ball and scored past goalkeeper Le Normand, who was visibly distracted by his captain’s condition. Despite furious appeals, the goal stood.

Coach Hansi Flick later defended his players: “We don’t stop unless the referee blows the whistle. It’s his decision.”

DOUBLE RED CARD CHAOS

Mallorca’s night unravelled soon after. Manu Morlanes was dismissed for a second yellow in the 33rd minute, and just six minutes later, Vedat Muriqi was shown a straight red after a VAR review for a high challenge on Joan Garcia.
Meanwhile, a reckless tackle from Raphinha went unpunished, further inflaming accusations of bias.

YAMAL DECIDES IT

Reduced to nine men before halftime, Mallorca stood little chance. Yamal—central to every flashpoint—eventually added a late goal to seal Barcelona’s win.

A NIGHT TO FORGET

Instead of a festive return for the champions, the game will be remembered for controversial officiating and the fury it provoked—cementing another chapter in the long-running “Refereelona” narrative.