UEFA opens investigation after Manuel Pellegrini's rant during Champions League fixture
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said after the first leg of their round of 16 tie that referee Jonas Eriksson "decided the game" when he sent off Martin Demichelis for a foul on Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who then scored from the penalty spot. Pellegrini also questioned the referee's partiality and competence.
UEFA has opened an investigation following Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini's outburst against the referee who oversaw his team's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona this week.
Pellegrini said after the first leg of their round of 16 tie that referee Jonas Eriksson "decided the game" when he sent off Martin Demichelis for a foul on Lionel Messi, who then scored from the penalty spot. Pellegrini also questioned the referee's partiality and competence.
Barcelona has history with Eriksson, who was criticized by then-coach Pep Guardiola for not awarding his team penalties in 2012 in a 0-0 draw at Milan in the quarterfinals.
Pellegrini, who faces a fine or touchline ban, said he felt Eriksson was trying to make amends for "an important mistake against Barcelona in a previous match."