Refereeing mistakes have cost Barcelona six points in total this season

Hernandez Hernandez's serious double error in Barcelona's game at Real Betis -- not giving a goal when the ball clearly crossed the line and not giving Neymar a penalty in the same move -- has had a big impact the table in Spain. Luis Enrique's side, who didn't play their best football, but deserved the three points based on those decisions. 

It's not the first time it's happened this season. In the eight games which have seen Barça drop points (six draws, two losses), there have been defensive errors and mistakes by Blaugrana players. 

But the errors from match officials have also led to dropped points when it's come to deciding games. Barça have been left with just one point when they could have had seven. 

After 20 league games, therefore, Luis Enrique's team have six points less than they deserve. Barça have 42 points at the moment, while leaders Real Madrid have 46, four more. 

Here are the games when the referees have made mistakes: 

Jornada 7: Celta Vigo 4-3 Barça. Beyond Barcelona's own mistakes, in the 67th minute Hugo Mallo fouled Neymar at 3-2, but the referee did not give a penalty. One point. 

Jornada 12: Barça 0-0 Malaga. De Burgos Bengoechea ruled out a Gerard Pique goal for a non-existent offside in the 83rd minute. In addition, Villanueva did not give a penalty for a foul on the same player. Two points. 

Jornada 17. Villarreal 1-1 Barça. There are two penalties which don't get awarded, one is especially scandolous as Bruno Soriano clearly handles the ball -- and deliberately. Two points. 

Jornada 20. Real Betis 1-1 Barça. The Blaugrana didn't shine in Seville, but the power of the MSN would have been enough to win the game if Hernandez Hernandez gave the goal which Piccini sent into his own net in the 76th minute. He also didn't give Neymar a penalty in the same play. Two points. 

NOTHING TO BEMOAN 

In another three matches when they've dropped points against Atletico Madrid (1-1, jornada 5ª), Real Madrid (1-1, Jornada 14ª) and Alaves (1-2, jornada 3ª), Barça can have few complaints.

However, in the final game, against Real Sociedad, it's the Basque side who have grounds for complaint. Juanmi had a perfectly legal goal ruled out for offside, which would have seen La Real win the game. That, therefore, would have seen Barça lose a point. 

While Barcelona's reactions have largely been prudent, avoiding putting pressure on the officials, the reality is that there are reasons to be annoyed. 

TAKE ACTION 

Luis Enrique usually says that it's best to focus on what he can control and improve. After the draw with Betis he admitted his side's own mistakes and joked about whether the 'ghost goal' had seemed in. Javier Mascherano took the blame for the draw against Atletico Madrid and Arda Turan for the result against Real Madrid. 

Now it's time, though, for the errors to stop and for technology to be introduced -- as it is in other sports and other leagues in Europe.