Inter Milan’s 4-3 Champions League semi final second leg win over Barcelona on Tuesday had absolutely everything, including massive controversy.
The centre of the controversy is Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, who has been accused of spitting at Inter defender Francesco Acerbi.
Hakan Calhanoglu dispatched the penalty just before half time, prompting Acerbi to celebrate vociferously as he ran past Inigo back towards the centre circle.
Inigo Martinez spitting on inter players while celebrating
Flick even pulled him out fearing of a 2nd yellow later
— MadMad (@MaadMadrid) May 6, 2025
Did Inigo Martinez spit at Francesco Acerbi?
Acerbi appeared to goad Inigo as he ran past, which prompted a reaction from Inigo.
Inigo pushed his head forward towards Acerbi in a manner which some believe show he spat at Acerbi.
The Italian defender reacted furiously to whatever Inigo did and ran straight to the referee to complain that the Spanish defender had spat at him.
No action was taken against Inigo and the teams went in at half time at 2-0.
Inigo was later booked on 51 minutes and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick substituted him for Ronald Araujo on 76 minutes out of fear of him receiving a second yellow.
An investigation into whether Inigo Martinez did spit at Acerbi could now be launched by UEFA, and will result in a long ban if he is found guilty.
Inigo has denied spitting at Acerbi when speaking to reporters after the game.
“[Acerbi] celebrated in my face. It was an unnecessary reaction from me,” he said.
“But I didn’t spit at him. It landed beside him. Otherwise, I would’ve been sent off. Without a doubt.”
When Inter needed a saviour, 37yo defender Acerbi rescued them in 93rd min.
His first Euro goal.
A player who was in lower leagues until 22, twice battled cancer & hit “rock bottom” after his dad died.
“I started drinking & believe me I’d drink anything”
Now in a UCL final ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y4BREkwYi2
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) May 6, 2025
Were Inigo to receive a long ban, it could push Barcelona into the transfer market for a central defender.
The future of fellow centre back Araujo is already in doubt after a horror performance when coming on for Inigo.
He was to blame for Inter’s third and fourth goals – and he is now expected to be sold at the end of the season.
