Fornals on the refereeing controversy against Barça: “I tried to speak to him”

“I tried to speak to him”: Pablo Fornals has addressed the refereeing controversy involving Barça, saying he wanted to put his arguments to the referee. The Real Betis midfielder believes further discussion cannot change what happened, and that the club’s attention must now turn to its next European match.

Ahead of the match against Feyenoord, he called the experience “very special” and said he was relishing it. He also recalled the atmosphere at the game against Porto, including the mosaic and the supporters’ backing throughout the match, as the kind of moment he had dreamed of since childhood.

Fornals also spoke warmly about his connection with Pellegrini, whom he had previously worked with at West Ham. He said he was delighted to be at Betis at this point in the club’s journey, and credited the club with giving him the chance to reconnect with the Spanish league under the manager.

His comments followed the defeat against Barcelona. Fornals was asked about the goal by Lo Celso that was ruled out on Saturday against the blaugrana side, as well as footage of the referee speaking with several Barcelona players before the review. He said he had spoken to the official to explain his position, while acknowledging that the decision was the referee’s to make, with another person advising him from VAR.

“For better or worse, there is no point continuing to talk today about something that has happened and that we can no longer change,” he said. He also noted that the fixture schedule leaves little time to dwell on previous results: “Football doesn’t stop.” Fornals said the immediate priority was Betis’s match, which should command the team’s focus.

He also addressed competition in midfield, with Isco and Dani Ceballos returning and numerous players available for the different positions. “We all try to be at our best, and then it is up to the manager to decide,” he said.