WHEN SERGIO AGUERO found the back of the net in the 93rd minute of last night’s Champions League clash between Manchester City and Villareal, he not only secured an historic three-point haul for the Eastlands outfit, but succeeded in drawing the ire of his side’s Spanish opponents.
Convinced the striker had been in an offside position when he slotted home at the back post, Villareal immediately surrounded surrounded the referee to protest the decision and, moments later, began arguing with a number of City players as they left the field, eventually following Agüero into the tunnel.
What happened next isn’t clear, but a number of Villareal players and officials claim the Argentine responded inappropriately, mocking the heartbreaking circumstances of their loss.
The Guardian quotes the club’s vice-president, José Manuel Llaneza, as saying:
“What he has done doesn’t say much about the guy. I think it’s a lack of respect, ethics and team spirit. I thought he had learned better.”
The former Atlético Madrid star, who would have been acquainted personally with his post-match critics, later denied the charge on Twitter. Posting in both Spanish and English, Agüero said he had “no interest in getting involved in controversies” but had to “deny having mocked a Villareal player”.
Currently third in their group, Manchester City are scheduled to play Villareal again in two weeks’ time.
