A controversial incident marred Inter Milan's Champions League clash with Barcelona when Inigo Martinez appeared to spit on Francesco Acerbi just before half-time.
The incident occurred after Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty to put Inter 2-0 ahead.
When live broadcast returned to the pitch, players from both sides were seen in heated dispute with referee Szymon Marciniak.
Footage later revealed Martinez seemingly spitting towards Acerbi as the Italian ran past him into the box.
A controversial incident marred Inter Milan's Champions League clash with Barcelona when Inigo Martinez appeared to spit on Francesco Acerbi just before half-time
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Images from the San Siro showed Acerbi appealing to the referee, with Barcelona players clustered protectively around their team-mate.
The incident was referred to VAR for review, with commentators suggesting a possible red card.
Despite the review, no disciplinary action was taken against Martinez, and all 22 players remained on the pitch.
Pundits were quick to condemn the apparent spitting incident when reviewing the footage after the match.
Wayne Rooney, speaking on Amazon Prime, said: 'You certainly don't want to see that in a football game or anywhere. If he has spat, then he'll get a punishment that he'll deserve.'
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🚨 Iñigo Martinez SPAT on Francesco Acerbi. 💦
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The Manchester United legend suggested UEFA would likely intervene if Martinez was found guilty.
Fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge agreed with Rooney's assessment.
'Absolutely right. If he's done that, then it's not good - it's not necessary, it's not needed,' Sturridge commented.
He added: 'We'll let the people do their job and see if he's actually done it.'
The incident overshadowed what was developing into a Champions League classic, with five goals already scored before the dramatic conclusion.
READ MORE: Football fans hail 'best game ever' as Inter Milan and Barcelona erupts with drama
The thrilling encounter at the San Siro saw Inter Milan secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Barcelona, booking their second Champions League final in three years.
The hosts had taken an early lead through Lautaro Martinez in the 21st minute.
Calhanoglu's penalty just before half-time doubled Inter's advantage, making it 2-0 at the break.
Barcelona mounted an impressive comeback after the interval, with Eric Garcia pulling one back in the 54th minute.
Just six minutes later, Dani Olmo equalised for the visitors to spark wild celebrations from the away fans.
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The Spanish side appeared to have completed their remarkable turnaround when Raphinha put Barcelona ahead for the first time in the two-legged tie minutes before the end of normal time.
The aggregate score stood at 6-5 to Barcelona, with their place in the final seemingly secured.
What followed was an extraordinary finale to an already breathless European classic.
In a remarkable twist of fate, Acerbi had the last laugh despite the earlier controversy.
Just three minutes into added time, the 37-year-old defender found himself in the right place at the right time.
Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi celebrates after his side's Champions League win over Barcelona
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Acerbi scored his first ever European goal, bringing Inter level at 3-3 and sending the San Siro into raptures.
His crucial equaliser forced the match into extra-time with the aggregate score locked at 6-6.
Davide Frattesi then completed Inter's stunning comeback by netting the winner during the additional period.
The 4-3 victory on the night secured Inter Milan's progress to their second Champions League final in three years, with the Italian titans hopeful of winning the tournament for the first time since 2010.
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