Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez has firmly denied accusations that he spat at Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi during a tense moment in their Champions League semifinal encounter on Tuesday night. The controversy erupted after Inter’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty, giving the Italian side a 1-0 lead. As Acerbi sprinted past Martínez to celebrate, cameras caught the Barça defender reacting angrily, leading to allegations of unsporting conduct.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Martínez clarified his version of events. “He celebrated in my ear after the goal,” Martínez explained. “My reaction to that was unnecessary, but at no moment have I aimed for him. The spit was a metre away from him. If that was not the case, I would have been sent off, absolutely no doubt about that.” His statement sought to dismiss suggestions of intentional spitting, emphasizing that the incident was a misunderstood expression of frustration rather than deliberate provocation.
Referee and VAR Under Scrutiny After No Action Taken Against Martinez
Despite Acerbi’s immediate complaint to the referee, no disciplinary action was taken against Martínez. The referee, after a brief consultation with his assistants, decided not to penalize the Barcelona defender, and VAR did not intervene to review the incident. This decision further fueled tensions on the pitch as emotions ran high in a fiercely contested semifinal.
Interestingly, Martínez did receive a yellow card later in the match for a separate foul, adding to Barcelona’s disciplinary woes. He was eventually substituted for Ronald Araújo as Barcelona pushed to overturn Inter’s early advantage. However, the absence of punishment for the alleged spitting incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with questions raised over whether the officiating team had missed a crucial moment.
Inter Edge Barcelona in Thrilling Extra-Time Battle
Inter Milan ultimately prevailed 4-3 after extra time in a dramatic match that swung wildly from start to finish. After leading 2-0, the Italian side were stunned as Barcelona fought back to lead 3-2 heading into stoppage time. But Acerbi, already in the spotlight for his clash with Martínez, delivered the critical equaliser in the 93rd minute to force extra time.
The decisive moment came in the 109th minute when Davide Frattesi scored the winner, securing a 7-6 aggregate victory after last week’s pulsating 3-3 draw in Barcelona. Even then, Barça had a final chance to force penalties, but Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer produced a sensational save from teenager Lamine Yamal to deny them at the death. “It was a special stop,” Sommer said post-match, as Inter celebrated reaching their first Champions League final since 2010.
Barcelona Criticize Officiating, Call for UEFA Investigation
In the aftermath of their heartbreaking exit, Barcelona’s frustration turned toward the officiating. Midfielder Pedri publicly called on UEFA to investigate the referee’s performance, arguing that key decisions consistently went against the Spanish side. “We need answers. Every 50-50 went their way,” Pedri lamented, echoing sentiments shared by Barça manager Hansi Flick, who also voiced his dissatisfaction with the officiating.
Barcelona’s grievances extended beyond the Martínez-Acerbi incident, encompassing various fouls and borderline calls throughout the contest. The club is reportedly preparing a formal complaint to UEFA, highlighting what they perceive as a pattern of bias that affected the outcome. The fallout from this semifinal could therefore extend off the pitch, as the Catalan giants seek accountability from European football’s governing body.
Barcelona Shift Focus to LaLiga, El Clásico Looms
With their European dreams dashed, Barcelona must now regroup quickly as they prepare for a crucial LaLiga showdown against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday. Victory in the Clásico would give Barça a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the table and potentially secure a significant step toward reclaiming the domestic crown.
Coach Hansi Flick faces a balancing act in lifting his players’ spirits after their Champions League disappointment while ensuring tactical readiness for Madrid’s challenge. Questions remain over Martínez’s involvement in the upcoming clash following his controversial night in Milan, but Barcelona will need all hands on deck if they are to cap their season with silverware. The Catalan faithful will be hoping that the drama of Europe can galvanize their team for domestic glory
