Barcelona captain Raphinha has apologised for mocking Atletico Madrid fans after his side’s defeat.
Atleti knocked Barca out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage 3-2, with Raphinha out of the match through injury.
He was still present on the touchline and post-match wandered to the fans where he got some abuse.
Raphinha baits Atleti fans
In response he gestured with his thumb and appeared to say ‘going out’.
That was widely interpreted at Raphinha saying Atleti won’t make it past the semi-finals where they face either Arsenal or Sporting.
Responding to a viral clip of the video from DAZN, he wrote: “I apologise for my gesture, which does not correspond with my values or my character.
“It was an act committed in a tense moment, in response to a fan who was disrespecting me.”
Raphinha’s busy night
The incident wasn’t the only time Raphinha took headlines despite not playing.
In the mixed zone he attacked the refereeing, a decision that could well lead to a suspension.
“It was a stolen match, the refereeing was terrible,” he said.
“The decisions they made were unbelievable. Atlético committed countless fouls and didn’t receive a single yellow card.
“I want to believe it’s really fear that Barcelona might win.”
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