FC Barcelona star Raphinha has explained why he threw a tantrum at Xavi Hernandez after he was substituted off during their thrilling clash against Manchester United on Thursday.
Barca and United played out to an action-packed 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last 32 game at the Camp Nou.
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The home team opened the scoring in the 50th minute through a Marcos Alonso header, but their lead was short-lived as Marcus Rashford netted an equaliser just two minutes later after his shot beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen from a tight angle.
Seven minutes later, the in-form Englishman would force Blaugrana defender Joules Kounde into an error, with his cross deflecting off the France international and into the goal to give the Premier League giants a 2-1 lead.
In the 76th minute, though, Brazil star Raphinha equalised for the Blaugrana as his left-footed cross-cum-shot beat everyone, including Red Devils No. 1 David de Gea, to land up in the back of the net.
To his anger and dismay, however, the winger was substituted off just seven minutes later, to be replaced by Ferran Torres.
Raphinha was visibly upset as he walked to the touchline and was seen expressing his frustration at being hooked off, even going as far as punching a chair in front of him after he sat down in the dugout.
Xavi has blood on his hands for making raphinha do like thispic.twitter.com/EuxBvCIMLl
— SAM (@Fcb_s_a_m) February 16, 2023
The 26-year-old has since apologised and explained the reason behind his outburst.
"I've spoken to Xavi," Raphinha said after the match, according to Goal.
"I take this opportunity to apologise to everyone, the coach, Ferran, the team and the fans, but sometimes you want to help so badly that you can't control it."
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Xavi also spoke on the incident, insisting that the former Leeds United star's behaviour was "normal."
"That is normal, this is football," the Spaniard told BT Sport
"I say to the players that they have to be angry.
"The problem is when they don't have attitude on the pitch and the attitude of Raphinha is amazing."
"... Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn't have to. I see it as positive that everyone wants to play."
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