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Champions League

Barcelona star reveals Portuguese police intervened in tunnel brawl

A late goal from Raphinha earnt Barça a dramatic 5-4 win in the Champions League, but sparked a post-game confrontation in the tunnel.

Why were the police called at the Barcelona game?
FILIPE AMORIMAFP

Barcelona booked their place in the Champions League round-of-16 with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Benfica on Tuesday. La Blaugrana were losing 3-1 and 4-2 at different points of the game but a 96th-minute strike from Raphinha snatched a 5-4 win.

That left Barcelona players in high spirits at the full time whistle but they were quickly brought back down to earth by members of the Benfica squad as the two sides clashed in the tunnel. Police were called to intervene and separate the two warring factions. Barcelona’s match-winner Raphinha subsequently claimed that the incident was sparked by insults from the Benfica contingent.

He explained: “I’m someone who respects everyone. When I was leaving the pitch, people were insulting me. I returned the insults. I know I shouldn’t. It got heated with the Benfica players.”

“I’m someone who doesn’t let anything lie. I respect them if they respect me, but I don’t shut up if they insult me. It’s normal after an ending like that to a match.”

Benfica’s players were frustrated with a late refereeing decision that led, indirectly, to Barcelona’s winning goal. With less than a minute to go Barcelona were defending in their own box when Fermín López appeared to make contact with Florentino, denying him a shot on goal. Referee Danny Makkelie waved away the claims and Barça swept up-field. Raphinha delivered the final blow with a devastating counter-attacking goal. VAR was consulted but the Barcelona goal stood and Benfica came away with nothing.

It remains to be seen if the post-game scenes at the Estadio Da Luz lead to any further punishment for either side. It is very unlikely that any on-field punishment is meted out but the teams could face fines for failing to control their players.

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