Mateu always wants to be a protagonist' - Busquets slams 'absurd' Alba red

Sergio Busquets has hit out at the "absurd" red card issued to Jordi Alba against Espanyol, claiming the referee was looking to become involved in the action.

The Barcelona full-back was issued two yellow cards in quick succession for alleged dissent in Saturday's 2-0 victory, though he later insisted he was bemused by the decision.

Busquets has now accused referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz of wanting to be "a protagonist" in the game.


"To get a second card for that is absurd but we know Mateu, he wants to be a protagonist and that's what happened," he was quoted as saying by AS.

"We were much better in the first half. With the red card we lost a bit more of the ball, they had another chance but the important thing was the three points."

First-half goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi sealed the win for the visitors in the Catalan derby and Busquets admits confidence is high as they attempt to fend off Real Madrid in the title race.

"I'm good physically; I think the team is, too. We have a calendar filled with a lot of games but the team is good, we're going out there with positive feelings.

"We're close but it'll be difficult, we have a tough pursuer in Real Madrid."