Barcelona's past with referee Cesar Soto Grado adds difficulty to El Clasico | Barca Universal

"Cesar Soto Grado is set to officiate today's highly anticipated El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, his previous decisions have sparked significant controversy, particularly concerning Barcelona, reports Mundo Deportivo. Notably, during a La Liga match on April 22, 2024, Soto Grado disallowed a goal by Lamine Yamal, citing a lack of evidence that the ball had crossed the line, a decision that has been widely discussed and criticised."

"Furthermore, Soto Grado's handling of physical play has been questioned. In the same Getafe match, he allowed what many perceived as excessive rough play, including a tackle on Lionel Messi that involved a kick, a push, and an elbow to the face. Despite being in close proximity, Soto Grado issued only a yellow card to Sergi Roberto, leaving Messi's assailant unpunished."

"Barcelona's record with Soto Grado as the referee has been less than favourable. In the 2023-24 season, he officiated a match between Barcelona and Getafe that ended in a 0-0 draw. During this game, Soto Grado allowed what many considered off-the-ball fouls and obstructions by Getafe players, which went unpunished, leading to several Barcelona players sustaining injuries. In August 2023, Soto Grado did not award a penalty to Barcelona after a non-existent handball on Gavi."

Cesar Soto Grado will referee El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Previous decisions have generated controversy, especially regarding Barcelona. On April 22, 2024, he disallowed Lamine Yamal's goal citing lack of evidence that the ball crossed the line. In October 2020 he awarded a contentious penalty to Getafe's Jaime Mata after a challenge by Frenkie de Jong on Djene Dakonam. He allowed perceived excessive rough play in that match, including a tackle on Lionel Messi involving a kick, push, and elbow, issuing only a yellow card. Several matches under his officiating saw unpunished fouls, obstructions, injuries, and disputed penalty or offside rulings.

Read at Barca Universal