The Spain international received an early booking during this week’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League win over Olympiacos for a foul on Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe before being red-carded two minutes before the break after being adjudged to have deliberately attempted to score with his hand.
Speaking after the game, Valverde told Football Espana: “Pique? I haven't seen the replays, but I'd imagine it was all instinct, with the goal so close to him.”
Looking back over the game, where Lionel Messi’s 100th European goal helped make it three Group D wins from three, Valverde said: "We knew they'd get stronger once we went down to 10 men. That's why we needed to find a second goal, so things would become easier," said Valverde.
"They came to defend and find a goal on the counter-attack. With our opponents playing so deep, it was tough to find rhythm and they played a game that suited them.
"But he (Messi) splits the game up and looks for players to link up with. When he's heading towards goal, he always looks for team-mates to finish off his moves."