SEEING RED

Earlier this week, Barca were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Champions League to PSG. In many ways, this was same story, second verse and yet another humiliating exit after taking a lead into a return leg.

It all came undone despite Barca winning the first leg by one goal and after leading 1-0 in the return leg. Late in the first half, Ronald Araujo, the last Barca defender, pulled down a PSG player who was breaking towards the goal. The foul occurred right outside the box, resulting in a red card and sending off. One could feel the oxygen leave the stadium. The stress on Xavi's face was palpable, knowing that Barca would be forced to play down one man for nearly 60 minutes. 

Before half, PSG scored to tie it up the score 1-1. However, Barca were still up by one goal on aggregate. Soon after half they gave up another goal. Shortly thereafter, Xavi became incensed after a no-call on a foul on a Barca player and kicked a sign board near the touchline. He, too, was sent off.

I have loved this team for fourteen years, but the past eight years have been one disappointment after another - not because they failed to win trophies like their golden era from 2009-2015 but because of the indignity of so many self-inflicted, humiliating collapses. Enough!

It is hard to see something one loves die. I am not sure I will watch another Barca game again because the depths to which this team has fallen due to mismanagement and malfeasance of the board and presidents - current and former. 

Life is frustrating enough. I will save my energy and sanity for other pursuits.