Keith Hackett has claimed Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev could be in hot water with UEFA after clashing with Lamine Yamal while away on international duty.
Gruev was involved in an altercation with Barcelona star Yamal in the latter stages of Bulgaria's World Cup qualifier with the European champions last Thursday. TV footage appeared to show Gruev kick Yamal's back after the ball had already gone out of play. Yamal was furious with Gruev and a minor scuffle ensued following the flashpoint but the off-the-ball incident went punished as Spain cruised to a 3-0 success.
Former Premier League referee Hackett told MOT Leeds News: “The matter will be investigated if the incident is brought to the attention of the match delegate.
“It looks unlikely if the on-field officials have seen it and acted by not taking any action, as authorities have a reluctance to re-referee incidents. This clip does not give the clarity required to kick off the investigation.”
Gruev could not his frustration after Bulgaria's defeat. “We did not react well after the goals," he said. "We must continue to fight. We have a very difficult and important match ahead of us against Georgia. I do not think it is a tragedy to lose 0:3 to Spain. We have better chances than against Spain.”
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He paid tribute to Yamal, saying: "Today we saw the class of Yamal. The whole world has problems defending against them. There is nothing to worry about.”
Gruev has been in and out of the Whites' starting line-up this year. It was thought his game time would be limited at Elland Road following the summer signings of Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.
But injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have meant Gruev has started their last two Premier League matches against Arsenal and Newcastle United.
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