Luis Suarez: Barcelona striker accused of 'provoking scuffle' in the tunnel after being told 'I s*** on your w***e mother'

Barcelona won an ill-tempered Copa Del Rey clash with Espanyol 4-1

Tom Sheen
Thursday 07 January 2016 06:39 EST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Luis Suarez has been accused of provoking a scuffle in the tunnel after Barcelona beat cross-town rivals Espanyol in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.

*UPDATE* Luis Suarez has been handed a two-game ban for his involvement in this incident. Click here for the full story.

The former Liverpool striker, who has an infamous rap sheet that includes biting three opponents and being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra by the FA, is said to have waited in the tunnel after the game for opponents after an ill-tempered 4-1 victory at the Nou Camp.

Espanyol finished the match with nine men after Hernan Perez and Papakouly Diop were sent off, while goalkeeper Pau Lopez was also accused of stamping on Lionel Messi.

Suarez clashed with Diop during the game and according to referee Juan Martinez Munuera, whose report has been published by newspaper Diario Sport, Diop was shown a straight red after telling the Uruguayan that "I s*** on your w***e mother" in Spanish.

Pape Diop (centre) was sent off after telling Suarez 'I s*** on your w***e mother'
Pape Diop (centre) was sent off after telling Suarez 'I s*** on your w***e mother' (Getty Images)

Munuera's report states that Suarez "provoked a confrontation" having waited for rival players.

"At the end of the game, once in the tunnel, Barca’s No 9, Suarez, Luis, while the Espanyol players were coming up the stairs, waited for them and shouted at them on various occasions," he is reported as saying.

"He said: 'I’m waiting for you, come here! You’re a waste of space'.

"It provoked a confrontation between players of both clubs and the present security guards had to get involved, as did coaches of both teams."

However, when asked about the incident after the game, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique denied a scuffle had taken place, dismissing the reports as "Christmas carols".

"It isn’t down to the coaches or the players to keep the peace," he added. "It’s down to the referees to ensure that we play football and not American football. There was some tension. I’d like it if there were more football, fewer interruptions and no injuries.

"When someone oversteps the mark, it’s down to the referees to keep order. Of course there’s tension in these games. The players know each other, they’re two teams with a special rivalry, but that rivalry has to remain positive."

Espanyol had taken the lead through Felipe Caicedo before Lionel Messi scored twice, Gerard Pique added a third just after the break and Neymar added a late fourth.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in