• Champions League

Barcelona and Real Madrid to face UEFA action

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 28, 2011

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid will face disciplinary proceedings from UEFA after their tempestuous Champions League semi-final first-leg tie at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona won the game 2-0 thanks to two goals from Lionel Messi, but the clash was littered with unsportsmanlike behaviour, diving and fights. After the match, Real boss Jose Mourinho (who had been sent to the stands during the game for comments made to the fourth official) then launched into a tirade about the influence that the Catalan side have over European football.

A statement on the UEFA website read: ''Following last night's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona, UEFA has opened the following disciplinary cases against the clubs.

''The case against Real Madrid is in relation to the throwing of missiles, a pitch invasion, the red card shown to Pepe, the dismissal of coach José Mourinho, as well as the inappropriate statement given by Mr Mourinho to the media after the match (UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, Article 5 - Principles of conduct).

''The case against Barcelona regards the red card administered to José Pinto. Both cases will be heard by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Friday, May 6.''

Barcelona had already claimed that they would be looking to take Mourinho to UEFA after he made the claim that the club's sponsorship deal with charity UNICEF meant they were treated favourably by officials.

"Jose Mourinho severely criticised the referee Herr Stark and insinuated that UEFA treated Barca favourably. The club's legal department are now studying whether to take his remarks to the UEFA disciplinary commission," Barca said in a statement on Thursday morning.

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