Raphinha avoids La Liga ban after furious referee row v Real Betis.

Raphinha of Barcelona can consider himself fortunate to have avoided a La Liga punishment following his breakdown in the 1-1 draw with Real Betis.

La Blaugrana squandered the opportunity to completely profit on Real Madrid's 2-1 home setback to Valencia, earning only a point against Manuel Pellegrini's visitors.

A draw in Catalonia concludes the weekend with Barcelona four points clear at the top of the league as they return to UEFA Champions League action midweek.

Frustration was a frequent theme among Hansi Flick's players in the closing minutes against Los Verdiblancos, with Raphinha enraged after the final whistle.

The Brazilian international was enraged by match referee Jesus Gil Manzano's choice to blow up at the end of the game, just as Barcelona won a last-gasp corner.

Raphinha confronted Manzano's assistant on the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys pitch and hurled a post-match dart at the main official on his way out.

Raphinha was seen shouting at the pair on TV, as Flick and injured goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen attempted to get him away from the altercation.

Raphinha was hauled up, telling the assistant, "You don't tell me to shut up" as he shoved Ter Stegen down the tunnel.

According to Mundo Deportivo, neither the referee's report nor Manzano's extra information section mentioned the incident.

Raphinha will avoid scrutiny from La Liga and the possibility of a ban at a vital juncture in the season.

The 28-year-old has been fantastic for Flick in 2024/25, sparking speculation about a possible Ballon d'Or at the end of 2025, with 13 league goals and eight assists, as well as 11 and five in the Champions League - as the UCL's leading scorer heading into the quarter-finals.

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