Xavi launches stinging attack on referee after Barcelona knocked out of Champions League thanks to ‘mistake’
BARCELONA manager Xavi lashed out at the referee following his team’s heartbreaking Champions League elimination.
Barca hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Nou Camp in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 advantage following last week’s victory in the first leg at Parc des Princes.
The Blaugrana opened the scoring after just 12 minutes to extend their lead but it all went downhill after that as they lost Ronald Araujo to a controversial red card after he tripped Bradley Barcola.
PSG went on to punch their ticket to the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals by ex-Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha as well as a brace by Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.
Xavi’s evening got even worse after he was also sent off for angrily kicking Champions League padding around the VAR monitor near his touchline.
As he walked away from the touchline, the ex-midfield maestro could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.
The Spaniard was left fuming and confronted referee Istvan Kovacs at full-time as he called him a “disaster before putting him on full blast during his post-match interview.
Xavi said: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to referee’s mistake.
“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality”.
This officially marks Xavi’s last Champions League match as Barcelona manager.
The Catalan tactician confirmed earlier this season that he will be leaving his beloved club after three years in charge.
The 44-year-old head coach missed the chance of leaving the Catalan giants with silverware as his team is eight points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid in the table.
PSG are now set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.
Dortmund made it to the final four after knocking Atletico Madrid out with an aggregate of 5-4.