Europa League: Xabi Alonso Responds to Claims His Team Was a ‘disgrace’ vs West Ham

• David Moyes sensationally referred to Xabi Alonso’s Byaer Leverkusen as disgraceful
• Late goals gave Leverkusen a 2-0 win over West Ham on Thursday, April 11
• Moyes was angered by some decisions that were made against his side in the match

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has issued a rejoinder to David Moyes after the West Ham manager referred to the German club as a “disgrace”.

The German outfit continued their dream run in the 2023/24 campaign by claiming a 2-0 win over The Hammers in the Europa League quarter-final first leg.

Goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface were enough to see of David Moyes’ side, although the West Ham boss was left incensed by some decisions that went against his team.

One particular incident involving Lucas Paqueta was a major talking point for the West ham boss, after the Brazilian was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Amine Adli.

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The booking means West Ham will have to try to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg without the services of their star man.

According to Football London, Paqueta’s tackle took place just in front of the Leverkusen dugout, and Moyes said after the game that the opposition substitutes pressured referee Artur Dias into brandishing a yellow card for the Brazilian.

"He got surrounded. I thought it was disgraceful and that was really disappointing. Did they get him booked? I think so - you should let the referee make the decision and not the way they reacted to the incident,” Moyes said, per The Mirror.

Alonso’s response

Alonso was however quick to defend his team for the antics, claiming the Paqueta’s yellow card was warranted.

“It's nothing to talk about disgraceful,” The Spaniard said.

“I think that we have all the right, he has to see his bench as well. I have respect for David but I thought it was the right decision from the referee. We did our thing, we didn't focus on the other bench."

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Interestingly, Alonso has had his fair share of duels with Moyes during his Merseyside days.

When the Spaniard was a Liverpool player, he faced Everton several times when the Moyes was still Toffees boss. It is safe to say there is no love lost between the two managers.

Leverkusen could win the league this weekend

Sports Brief also reported on how Bayer Leverkusen could wrap up the Bundesliga this weekend without kicking a ball.

The German outfits face Werder Bremen on Sunday, April 14, and a win will secure the title at the expense of Bayern Munich.

Alonso’s side could still secure the title earlier, depending on the events that will unfold on Saturday.