Pellegrini’s rotten night could get worse

The usually mild-mannered Manuel Pellegrini could be in hot water with Uefa after his astonishing verbal outburst against Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson.

Manchester – The Chilean was fuming after his Manchester City side lost 2-0 at home against Alexis Sánchez´s Barcelona in the Champions League.

The 60-year-old complained about a foul on Jesus Navas that wasn´t given and about the decision to award a penalty against defender Martin Demichelis for a 54^th-minute foul on Lionel Messi, which television replays suggested happened just outside the penalty area.

Demichelis was sent off and Messi converted the penalty to put Barcelona ahead. Dani Alves added a late second for the visitors to leave them red-hot favourites to reach the quarter-finals.

Pellegini said: “Before the penalty, which was outside the area, there was a foul on Jesus Navas. He didn’t control any of the game.

“I think it was not a good idea to put a referee from Sweden in charge of such an important match, and a referee who made an important mistake against Barcelona in a previous match. Today he arranged it.

“The referee decided the game. He was on Barcelona’s side from the beginning until the end.”

Uefa said a disciplinary inspector had been appointed to assess the remarks.

“Based on the outcome, a decision will be taken on whether disciplinary proceedings will be opened,” said Uefa.

Meanwhile, compatriot Sánchez didn´t have one of his more productive nights and was replaced by Brazilian Neymar in the 74^th minute.