Inter-Barcelona, Iñigo Martinez tells his version of the altercation with Acerbi
Of the many episodes that marked the Champions League semifinal return match between Inter and Barcelona, what happened at the end of the first half, just after the 2-0 goal scored by Hakan Calhanoglu on a penalty kick, continues to cause discussion. In particular, the altercation between Iñigo Martinez and Francesco Acerbi sparked the reaction of fans, on both sides.
The Catalans defender told his version of events in the mixed zone at San Siro: “Acerbi exulted in my face after the goal and I reacted unnecessarily – said Iñigo Martinez -. I never spat on him, it must have ended a meter away. If I had spat directly on him I would have been ejected, I have no doubt”.
The same Acerbi would later star in the match with the goal of the unhoped-for 3-3, made on 93′ when the defender, with the games seemingly done for Barcelona after the goal scored by Raphinha at 88’88’, had projected himself forward to join the other Nerazzurri strikers. For the 37-year-old center forward, Tuesday night’s was, among other things, his first-ever goal in the Champions League.
Barcelona did not take the defeat well, mounting a controversy over Marciniak’s refereeing: coach Hansi Flick spoke of “50/50 episodes in which the referee always favored Inter” while Pedri even called for an in-depth investigation by Uefa into the Polish referee’s match direction, who has, however, been considered one of the best whistles in the world for years.
