The incident came in a first half that also included a red card for Barca winger Raphinha. The former Leeds man was dismissed for throwing an elbow at Gaston Alvarez.
But a goalless first half will be largely remembered for Araujo’s moment of madness. A long pass was played wide to the Uruguayan but it appeared to be sailing high over his head.
The 24-year-old reached up and caught the ball with both hands. He was still at least 10 yards inside the pitch when he clutched the ball in his grasp.
Araujo’s only defence can be that he had lost his bearings and thought he had strayed off the pitch. Referee Cesar Toto Grado immediately gave a free kick.
Araujo realised his error and held his hand to his head, displaying clear dismay at his confusion. He apologised to the official and ran back into his position.
Getafe were incensed that Araujo was not shown a yellow card for the clear handball. Their players surrounded Grado to demand a booking for the Barca ace.
It came just after Barca were reduced to 10 men. Raphinha was shown the first red card of his career for violent conduct after hitting out at Alvarez.
