Raphinha has issued an apology for provoking Atlético Madrid fans following Barcelona‘s Champions League elimination at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.
Footage captured the Brazil international on the field after the match, gesturing to the home crowd that they would be “going out” in the next round.
Despite missing the match due to a hamstring injury, Raphinha had traveled to Madrid to support his teammates.
“I sincerely apologize for my gesture,” Raphinha stated in a comment on a DAZN Instagram post featuring his interaction with the crowd. “It does not represent my values or character. It was a reaction in a tense moment to a disrespectful fan.”
Barcelona exited the tournament with a 3-2 aggregate loss, despite securing a 2-1 victory on Tuesday. Atlético Madrid will move on to face Premier League team Arsenal in the semifinals.
Raphinha may also face repercussions from UEFA after he criticized the officiating as “robbing” Barcelona during the two-legged tie.
His remarks are likely to be scrutinized to determine if they violate Article 11 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations, which outline the importance of conducting oneself with ethical integrity, loyalty, and sportsmanship.
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He could be looking at a suspension of up to three matches, which would carry over into next season’s Champions League.
Having not played for Barcelona since the March international window, when he re-aggravated his hamstring during a match against France, Raphinha aims to return by May, targeting the Clásico against Real Madrid on May 10.