In Matchday 8 of the 2025-26 La Liga season, Barcelona suffered a 4-1 defeat to Sevilla. Araujo’s foul in the penalty area that led to a penalty kick in the first half became the turning point of the game, and cameras captured the Uruguayan center-back in an emotional state during halftime.
In the 36th minute of the match, referee Muñoz Ruiz ruled that Araujo had fouled Isaac Romero during a challenge in the penalty area. After a VAR review, the penalty decision was upheld. While the referee was checking the replay, Araujo could not contain his emotions and told the referee directly: "This is ridiculous, it’s unbelievable!" He then complained to the fourth official: "You’ve been misled, you’ve been completely fooled." Upon seeing this, head coach Flick immediately stepped forward to dissuade him, preventing the player from receiving further punishment.
With Youssef En-Nesyri converting the penalty kick, Sevilla broke the deadlock to take a 1-0 lead. What frustrated the Barça players even more was that the home team’s (Sevilla’s) second goal in the 62nd minute was also controversial – the away team (Barcelona) argued that Koundé had been fouled before the attack was initiated.
During halftime, Araujo’s anger erupted completely as he walked towards the players’ tunnel. On-site cameras recorded him repeatedly saying: “We’re always the ones at a disadvantage, always targeting us! It’s always us!”
In addition, former prominent La Liga referee Mateu Lahoz also spoke about the penalty decision against Araujo, stating: "Not only do I think this is not a penalty, but I haven’t seen such a serious misjudgment in a long time. Let alone that Araujo’s foot only slightly brushed Isaac Romero; the latter even made a small jumping motion with both feet pushing off the ground before falling – a movement I have always called a ‘salmon jump’."
