Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez is dealing with criticism after showing to spit in the direction of Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi throughout a fiery Champions League semi-final conflict.
The incident occurred shortly after Hakan Calhanoglu gave Inter a 2-0 lead within the second leg, making it 5-3 on combination. As Acerbi jogged again in the direction of his personal half, TV footage appeared to indicate Martínez spitting within the Italian defender’s route.
Acerbi reacted angrily and needed to be restrained by Barcelona midfielder Pedri and a number of teammates, as he pointed and shouted in protest. Referee Szymon Marciniak tried to calm the scenario, however the flashpoint sparked debate on-line.
Regardless of replays circulating on social media, VAR didn’t decide up the incident. If it had been noticed, Martínez may have been proven a straight crimson card for spitting — a severe offence underneath UEFA guidelines.
The Barcelona defender was later booked within the 51st minute for a tough foul on Marcus Thuram and was finally substituted within the 76th minute by supervisor Hansi Flick, probably to keep away from additional bother.
Tensions apart, Barcelona mounted a shocking comeback. Objectives from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo levelled the match earlier than Raphinha gave the Spanish facet a 3-2 lead within the 87th minute. Nevertheless, Acerbi had the ultimate say in common time, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to make it 3-3 on the night time and 6-6 on combination.
In further time, Davide Frattesi scored within the 99th minute to safe a 4-3 win for Inter and ship the Italian facet via to the ultimate in Munich on 31 Could, the place they are going to face both Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.
UEFA might but overview the spitting incident, which may result in disciplinary motion in opposition to Martínez.
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