Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has responded to accusations he spat at Francesco Acerbi during [Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Inter](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/barcelona-uefa-champions-league/2025/5/6/24423298/inter-milan-barcelona-champions-league-final-score-match-report-recap-reactions).
There were some angry scenes towards the end of the first half of the match at San Siro, with TV cameras later showing footage of Martinez allegedly spitting at Acerbi.
Martinez was asked about the incident after the game and denied he had spat at the Inter man.
“Acerbi celebrated the goal in my ear, I got angry, but the spit wasn’t directed at him; I would have been sent off,” he said via Mundo Deportivo.
The defender also went on to join [Hansi Flick in criticising the match referee](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/5/7/24425135/every-50-50-decision-went-for-inter-hansi-flick-speaks-out-after-barcelonas-champions-league-exit) after seeing a number of decisions go against the team.
“Everyone saw today that the decisions fell on the same side, but I don’t want this to be talked about. In the end, he (the referee) had to make decisions and he did them like this. It’s a shame,” he said.
“We’re leaving with our heads held high, everything possible was done.”
Martinez also spoke about his fitness after being taken off in the second half for Ronald Araujo but insisted he “felt fine” and should be fit for El Clasico.