Raphinha fires shots at refereeing in La Liga – ‘If I say what I think, I will never play in La Liga again’

Raphinha was the hero for FC Barcelona once again last night as he pulled off a sensational last-minute goal to fire his team to a comeback 5-4 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.

The Brazilian had already scored once earlier in the game, although, it had little to do with him and more luck than anything else, as a clearance from the Benfica stopper bounced off his head and went into the back of the net.

Later, with the game at 4-4, the Barça captain finished off a swift counter with a composed finish in the 96th minute to win it for his team.

Raphinha’s brutal dig at La Liga referees

Moments after Barcelona’s incredible victory, Raphinha, who finished as the MVP of the match, shared his thoughts on the surreal Champions League encounter.

The Catalans came into the contest after a controversial 1-1 draw vs. Getafe in La Liga, where they were denied a clear penalty for a foul on Jules Kounde.

As such, when Raphinha was asked if he prefers Spanish referees or Champions League referees, the winger aimed a brutal dig at the La Liga refereeing, saying:

“If I say what I think, I will never play in La Liga again.”

On the win

The Brazilian international then gave his two cents about the match at Estadio Da Luz and the fight that Barcelona put up, saying:

“We knew it would be a very difficult match. I know how challenging it is to play here, in front of their fans. They know how to play very well and have players of the highest level. We did not let ourselves be discouraged by the 3-1 scoreline at half-time.

“We came back focused on our game, trying to change the outcome. It was a spectacular match for everyone. Benfica could very well have won, or we could have, but we came out on top.”

“I think I am in the best moment of my career,” Raphinha added after scoring his eighth goal in the Champions League this season.

On the tunnel fight

Additionally, the Barcelona player commented on the fight that broke out at the end of the match with both the fans and players of Benfica, which required police intervention.

“I am a person who respects everyone. When I was leaving the pitch, there were people who insulted me. I returned the insults, I know I should not have done that. We all got heated, but the Benfica players preferred to insult me,” revealed Raphinha.

“I am a person who does not take anything home with me. I respect those who respect me, but I do not remain silent if they insult me. It is normal after a match ending like that,” he declared.

Source: SPORT