Champions League: Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Xavi Referee fight: Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his indignation at what he saw as refereeing injustices. The claims were made after two handball calls went against his team in Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League loss to Inter Milan. The game’s lone goal was scored by Hakan Calhanoglu in first-half stoppage time. Barca was then denied a late penalty after Denzel Dumfries looked to handle the ball inside the penalty area. Follow UEFA Champions League 2022-23 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Champions League: Barcelona coach Xavi invites UEFA’s wrath after making BIG ACCUSATION, says ‘Inter paid off referees’-Check Out
Champions League: Barcelona coach Xavi invites UEFA’s wrath after making BIG ACCUSATION, says ‘Inter paid off referees’-Check Out
“I am angry and indignant about what we have seen, it is an injustice,” Xavi said angrily in a news conference after the game at the San Siro.
“I said it on Monday and I have to say it again: the referees have to come out and explain themselves because I don’t understand anything.” added Xavi.
“[The referee] didn’t want to give me an explanation after the game. Referees have to speak; I can’t speak about a decision I have not made. For me, [the decisions were] crystal clear. I don’t understand it at all.”
NOOOOOO!!!!! VAR CHECK SAYS NO GOAL!
The cross was slapped away by André Onana and grazed the hand of Ansu Fati before Pedri found the net.#InterBarça | @ChampionsLeague
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 4, 2022
Champions League: Barcelona coach Xavi invites UEFA’s wrath after making BIG ACCUSATION, says ‘Inter paid off referees’-Check Out
Ansu Fati’s handball during the build-up to Pedri’s would-be equaliser in the 66th minute resulted to the goal being disallowed. Xavi’s claim that the goal should have stood because Ansu was not the scorer and the handball was inadvertent.
Dumfries’ alleged handball, which took the ball away from Ansu in the box, was not called as a penalty. Barca’s rage increased. The play was reviewed by VAR. However, unlike when he cancelled Pedri’s score, the referee was not summoned to the pitch-side monitor.
“If you are asking how I am, I am outraged,” Xavi continued. “I don’t understand anything. If Ansu handballs it [involuntarily] but someone else then scores, it’s a goal. And they disallowed it.
“As for the other one [Dumfries’ possible handball]… I just do not understand. It’s an injustice, I can’t hide it. The referees have to speak.” he added.
Champions League: Barcelona coach Xavi invites UEFA’s wrath after making BIG ACCUSATION, says ‘Inter paid off referees’-Check Out
Xavi also acknowledged that Barcelona must be honest with themselves after suffering a second straight Champions League loss that put their chances of moving on to the round of 16 in jeopardy.
“We also have to be self-critical, beyond the refereeing decisions,” Xavi said. “We have to play better, although we still deserved at least a draw.
“But it’s not the worst game we have played this season. In the second half, we were good; in the last half an hour very good. We had them pinned back, we tried. “
“The first half was not good enough for a Champions League game. We have to be more dynamic, quicker and have better ball circulation. Now we are left in an uncomfortable situation. We have three games left, all finals, and two at home.”
“I am worried about the defeat because we have three points, Inter six and Bayern nine. We are in a difficult position and we can’t slip up again.” he concluded.
Champions League: Barcelona coach Xavi invites UEFA’s wrath after making BIG ACCUSATION, says ‘Inter paid off referees’-Check Out
Follow UEFA Champions League 2022-23 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Tanush Kotian to replace Ashwin in Team India's squad for Boxing Day Test: Report
Top Stories
IND vs AUS: MCG curator clarifies why India practiced on used pitches while Australia got fresh ones
