Barcelona’s Martinez Denies Spitting Incident with Inter’s Acerbi
Martinez Denies Acerbi Spitting Claim
- Martinez has refuted allegations that he spat at Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi
- Acerbi was seen remonstrating with referee Szymon Marciniak and angrily confronting Martinez
- However, subsequent footage appeared to show Martinez spitting in Acerbi's direction.
Barcelona defender Iñigo Martinez has refuted allegations that he spat at Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi during their Champions League semi-final defeat on Tuesday.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly before half-time in the second leg at the San Siro, after Hakan Calhanoglu scored a penalty to put Inter ahead 2-0. As Acerbi celebrated, he ran past Martinez.
Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, Martinez explained his reaction but denied any spitting. “He celebrated in my ear. My reaction was unnecessary but I never spat at him,” the defender stated. “If I had, I would have been sent off, no doubt about that.”
Following the alleged incident, Acerbi was seen remonstrating with referee Szymon Marciniak and angrily confronting Martinez. The video assistant referee (VAR) reviewed the footage for a potential red card but ultimately took no action.
However, subsequent footage appeared to show Martinez spitting in Acerbi’s direction.
Despite the controversy, Inter Milan went on to win the thrilling semi-final tie 4-3 (7-6 on aggregate) after extra time, with Acerbi himself scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to force the additional period.
Inter will now face either Paris St-Germain or Arsenal in the Champions League final.
