Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez has denied allegations that he spat at Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi during their Champions League semi-final clash on Tuesday.
The incident allegedly took place just before half-time in the second leg at the San Siro, moments after Hakan Calhanoglu scored a penalty to put Inter 2-0 ahead. As Acerbi celebrated near Martínez, tensions flared.
“He celebrated right in my ear,” Martínez told El Chiringuito TV. “My reaction wasn’t the best, but I didn’t spit at him. If I had, I would’ve been sent off—no question.”
Acerbi confronted Martínez and appealed to referee Szymon Marciniak, prompting a VAR review for a potential red card. No disciplinary action followed at the time.
Later footage appeared to show Martínez spitting in Acerbi’s direction, though the evidence remains disputed.
Inter Milan, the reigning Serie A champions, went on to win the dramatic tie 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate after extra time. Acerbi scored a late equaliser in stoppage time to force the additional period.
Inter will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final. PSG lead 1-0 heading into the second leg in Paris on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.
