Referee Admits His Mistake Hurt Barcelona Against Atletico Madrid

In a moment of candor, Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli admits: "I was tricked."

Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli, who oversaw Barcelona's defeat against Atletico Madrid which saw the Blaugrana exit the Champions League, has admitted he made a mistake in not awarding a late penalty for the Catalan club.

Atletico midfielder Gabi committed handball inside the area in the 93rd minute, which should've resulted in a penalty for Barcelona. Had Lionel Messi scored the ensuing kick, we would have seen extra time. Instead, Barcelona crashed out.

Speaking to Italy's RAI, Rizzoli said: "Unfortunately the defender's feet were outside the area and I was tricked. With technology in football the error wouldn't…