Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez appeared to spit at Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi during Tuesday night’s thrilling Champions League semi-final, sparking a melee between the teams.
The heated moment occurred shortly before halftime, when Hakan Calhanoglu doubled Inter’s lead from the penalty spot.
As Calhanoglu smashed the penalty into the bottom corner, Acerbi raced past Martinez and began to celebrate. Following full-time, broadcaster Prime Video released footage showing Martinez, a Spain international, attempting to spit in the direction of Acerbi.
Acerbi responded aggressively and was held back by his teammates and Barcelona midfielder Pedri as he pointed at Martinez.
The incident was most likely the reason of the explosive events that occurred shortly before halftime, with emotions running high among the Inter and Barcelona players.
At the same moment, the TV broadcast indicated that the VAR was looking for a possible red card, which was shortly cleared.
Presumably, the VAR did not notice Martinez’s apparent spitting at Acerbi, or on-field referee Szymon Marciniak would have been summoned for an on-field review.
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Barcelona’s players were irritated by the decision to award Inter a penalty following a VAR intervention, with Pau Cubarsi ruled to have fouled Lautaro Martinez with a sliding challenge in the area. Marciniak had waved play on after noticing the initial challenge on the pitch.
Martinez might face disciplinary action if he is found to have spat at an opponent.
Inter advanced to the Champions League final after winning an all-time classic contest 7-6 on aggregate.
Barcelona was minutes away from victory, but Acerbi forced the semi-final to extra time, when Davide Fratesti won for the hosts.
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