.png)
Featured Image Credit: @Thogden/Twitter
Topics: Jordi Alba, Barcelona, Galatasaray, Turkey, La Liga, Europa League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Jordi Alba, Barcelona, Galatasaray, Turkey, La Liga, Europa League
Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba reacted to being hit with missiles by kicking the ball at a section of Galatasaray supporters during Thursday night's Europa League clash in Istanbul.
The incident happened in the 85th minute of last night's round of 16 game. After walking over to the touchline, the Spaniard was about to take a throw-in when a series of objects, including plastic cups and bottles, were thrown towards his direction.
It appears Alba was struck by one of the missiles and seconds later, he turned around and wrapped his left boot around the ball – a moment that sparked a brawl on the pitch.
The game was then temporarily paused for several minutes to allow those missiles to be removed from the Nef Stadyumu. In fact, Galatasaray players tried to calm their fans down during this break.
Alba, meanwhile, was handed a yellow card by the referee for his actions.
Advert
His decision to kick the ball at the home support certainly picked up plenty of reaction on social media.
Following a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou last week, Barcelona progressed to the quarter-final stages of the Europe League after they came from a goal down to beat Domenec Torrent's side.
Advert
Galatasaray took the lead through Marcao but the Catalan side equalised in the 37th minute before Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang netted a close range header to secure the win.
Aubameyang has now scored seven goals in seven games for his new club after leaving Arsenal by mutual consent in the January window.
After the full-time whistle, Barca boss Xavi praised his team's efforts.
Advert
“We played a match of huge personality. It was a great performance to fight back in a ground like this against a very good team. They knew how to defend against us but we were patient. I’m very happy for my players.
“Today was important. It is a European competition and we want to go far. And you could say that we are in a good place [ahead of El Clasico]. But that means nothing, I have seen that many times before. It will be very difficult. It will be tough.”