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Valverde slams penalty​ decision as ​Barca​​ drop points at Las Palmas

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Valverde slams penalty​ decision as ​Barca​​ drop points at Las Palmas

​Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde has blasted Las Palmas’ ‘invisible’ penalty after the relegation-threatened side held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in a La Liga clash on Thursday night.

​Lucas Digne handballed on the line to let Jonathan Calleri’s penalty cancel Lionel Messi’s opener – a result that consequently reduced Barca’s lead at the top of the table.

Although Barca’s club-record unbeaten league run is extended to 33 games, the draw takes them five points above Atletico Madrid who they play next this weekend.

There was plenty of confusion at the decision to award the penalty to Las Palmas, and Valverde termed the penalty an ‘invisible’ one.

“We didn’t want the draw,” the Coach said after the game.

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“We could’ve taken more of an advantage in the first half, but they drew level with a penalty and defended very well in the latter stages, which made it impossible for us.

“Penalty? We don’t know what the referee signalled for. No-one knows in the dressing room.

“We didn’t understand it at the time it happened, it was inexplicable. Hopefully seeing it on TV will clarify his decision a bit, but it was an invisible penalty.”

Barca will play next on Sunday against second-placed Atletico, who go into the game on the back of an eight-game winning run.

“The game against them is only around the corner, and it’ll be important for both teams,” Valverde added.

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