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Juan Andujar Oliver believes that the Argentine should have seen red for a fit of anger
Barcelona star Lionel Messi should have been sent off against Alavés on Saturday, according to former official Juan Andujar Oliver.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has had a frustrating start to the season. Having publicly declared his intention to leave the club for the summer, he was finally forced to stay against his wishes.
Although President Josep Maria Bartomeu, the source of much of his frustration, retired last week, in the field things remain complicated for the Catalans.
Under new head coach Ronald Koeman, they have made unspectacular progress in the First Division and drew 1-1 against Alavés on Saturday.
Shortly after Luis Roja had scored the opening goal for the hosts, Messi acted in frustration at a decision made against his team, and Oliver believes he was lucky not to receive his marching orders after kicking the ball. with anger. explosion.
“He should have been sent off, although the ball did not hit referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández,” Andujar Oliver said. Radio BRAND of the incident. “With that action, he wanted to intimidate the referee and that deserves a direct red.”
Instead, it was Alavés who were ultimately reduced to 10 men when Jota was sent off with 62 minutes left.
A few seconds later, Barcelona had tied with Antoine Griezmann’s first goal of the season, although they couldn’t find a winner.
With Real Madrid having handsomely beaten Huesca earlier in the day, Barcelona are eight points behind the pace of the league leaders heading into Sunday’s games, although they have played a game less than their biggest rivals.
With just two wins out of his six league games to date this season, plus two draws, the pressure is already mounting on Koeman, who is expected to regain the Spanish title from Madrid after he was allowed to meekly slip away under the leadership of Quique. Setien last season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s next task is a Champions League match at home against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday.
