Barcelona under-16s score controversial goal against Crystal Palace in youth competition

Barcelona’s Under-16 team have come under fire after scoring a controversial goal in the semi-final of a youth competition against Crystal Palace. 

The Catalan youngsters led 2-0 in the 24th minute when they took advantage of a stoppage to catch out their opponents and score a third.

While a Barca player received treatment due to an apparent injury, Crystal Palace players went off for a water break and a discussion with their manager. 

However, the injured player quickly got back to his feet and ran backwards to the touchline before play was resumed – despite there being no Palace players on the pitch.

Barca’s goalkeeper saw a great opportunity and passed to No 11, Patrick Kluivert’s son Shane. 

Barcelona have come under fire after scoring a controversial goal at a youth tournament 

A Barca player had been injured, causing a stoppage before play quickly resumed

Palace then realised what was happening and attempted to sprint back onto the pitch but it turned out to be too late as Kluivert guided the ball into an empty net.

Barcelona went on to score another goal in a 4-0 win and won the tournament, according to reports in Spain.

Palace’s players would have been left fuming by the incident in the match, which was allowed by the referee. 

Other sides who have felt wronged by similar incidents in games have often been allowed to score uncontested by their opponents as a show of sportsmanship.

The actions of Barca’s youngsters, some of whom could go on to make senior appearances for the Spanish giants, did not go unnoticed as fans took to social media to slam the controversial goal. 

One tweeted: ‘Barca really is on a mission to be hated by everyone. If it wasn’t for the little magician I don’t think anyone would respect the club’. 

A second fan added: ‘What a shameless club… It seems they are taught ‘how to become shameless’ even in their academy!’

Another said: ‘They keep saying their club has values … Mes que in club and all that garbage… how can you be proud of this .. at academy level they’re already taught to cheat.’