Valverde responds to Alaves’s handball complaints against Umtiti

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has hit back after complaints from Alaves that they should have had a late penalty in the 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou.

Samuel Umtiti blocked a shot with his hand late on, although the French defender was so close to the ball it seemed impossible for him to get out of the way.

The referee waved played on but Alaves striker John Guidetti said it was a “clear hand” after the game and called for the use of VAR after the game, according to Football Espana.

Valverde was asked about the incident after the game and felt the officials got it right.

“I see it with my team’s shirt on, however I believe the handball to be involuntary.

”I asked Umtiti but aside from cutting off his hand, I don’t know what else can be done.”

Source | Marca

The Barca boss also explained why he opted to bring on full-backs Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto at the start of the second half.

“We needed a chance at that time,” he added ”It was important to have more depth.

”We didn’t have a lot of space and the situation was complicated.”

There were quite a few questionable decisions in the game, not least Mubarak Wakaso only picking up one yellow card when he might have had at least three.

Alaves might also point to Paco Alcacer being offside before Lionel Messi’s free kick, but it’s difficult to argue that Barca didn’t deserve all three points despite being below their best.

Source: barcablaugranes.com