Header Ads Widget

Barcelona's Martinez denies spitting at Acerbi


Recent in Sports
'World Cup can be incentive for Russia to end war'
Wenger proposes 'daylight' change to offside rule
Northampton sign Falcons skipper Chick for next season
Wales great Halfpenny linked with Beziers move
Injured Lions hopeful Hansen out for about five weeks

The alleged incident occurred when defender Acerbi ran past Martinez while celebrating Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty to put Inter 2-0 ahead shortly before half-time in the second leg at the San Siro on Tuesday.

"He celebrated in my ear. My reaction was unnecessary but I never spat at him," Martinez told El Chiringuito TV.

"If I had, I would have been sent off, no doubt about that."

Acerbi remonstrated with referee Szymon Marciniak before angrily confronting Martinez.

Before play resumed there was a video assistant referee (VAR) review for a potential red card, but no action was taken.

Footage which emerged later appeared to show Martinez spitting in the direction of Acerbi.

Inter won a thrilling tie 4-3 - and 7-6 on aggregate - following extra time, after Acerbi scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to make it 3-3 on the night.

Inter will play Paris St-Germain or Arsenal in the Champions league final, with PSG taking a 1-0 lead into the semi-final second leg in Paris on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.

Post a Comment

0 Comments