A Champions League semi-final match between Inter Milan and Barcelona sparks debate after key refereeing decisions, including a penalty call on Francesco Acerbi's handball and a missed yellow card, influenced the game's outcome at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on April 30, 2025.

The Champions League semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Inter Milan ended in a 3-3 draw, but the match was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions made by Clément Turpin. One key incident involved a potential handball by Inter's Francesco Acerbi, which after VAR review, was deemed not a penalty. However, Barcelona felt aggrieved as they believed Acerbi had unfairly prevented a scoring opportunity.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, 'Turpin got the major penalty decision right, but missed a clear yellow card.' This sentiment reflects the mixed feelings surrounding Turpin's performance, with some acknowledging his correct penalty decision regarding a challenge between Frenkie de Jong and Hakan Calhanoglu, while others pointed out missed disciplinary actions.

The controversy highlights the increasing scrutiny on VAR and refereeing standards in high-stakes matches. Such incidents can significantly impact team morale and strategy, shaping the narrative around key Champions League fixtures. Looking ahead, debates on consistency in applying handball rules and the wider use of technology to aid referees are expected to intensify.