The repeated appointments of Spanish referee César Soto Grado in Barcelona's away matches have stirred wide controversy among Spanish football fans, as statistics indicate that the Catalan team often faces this referee as a visiting opponent, raising questions about the fairness of these appointments.

According to an observation by the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Soto Grado has officiated 16 matches for Barcelona, with the team being the visitor in 14 of them, amounting to 87.5% of the matches, compared to only 50% with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

Notable Barcelona away matches under Soto Grado's officiating:

2025/2026 Copa del Rey, Round of 32: Barbastro - Barcelona 0-2

2025/2026 La Liga, Round 10: Real Madrid - Barcelona 2-1

2024/2025 La Liga, Round 36: Espanyol - Barcelona 0-2

2024/2025 La Liga, Round 14: Celta Vigo - Barcelona 2-2

2024/2025 La Liga, Round 3: Rayo Vallecano - Barcelona 1-2

2023/2024 La Liga, Round 32: Real Madrid - Barcelona 3-2

2023/2024 La Liga, Round 9: Granada - Barcelona 2-2

2023/2024 La Liga, Round 1: Getafe - Barcelona 0-0

2022/2023 La Liga, Round 36: Valladolid - Barcelona 3-1

2021/2022 La Liga, Round 15: Villarreal - Barcelona 1-3

2021/2022 La Liga, Round 8: Atlético Madrid - Barcelona 2-0

2020/2021 Copa del Rey, Third Round, Cornellà - Barcelona 0-2 after extra time

2020/2021 La Liga, Round 12: Cádiz - Barcelona 2-1

2020/2021 La Liga, Round 6: Getafe - Barcelona 1-0

Results showed that Barcelona was not successful as a host under his officiating, winning 5 matches, drawing 3, and losing 6 out of 14.