West Ham manager David Moyes expressed his disappointment with Bayer Leverkusen’s conduct on the sidelines and their role in getting Lucas Paqueta booked during their recent defeat. Paqueta received a yellow card for a challenge in the first half, prompting a strong reaction from Leverkusen’s players and bench. This booking, his 11th of the season, will force him to miss the upcoming second leg match.

Moyes criticized Leverkusen’s bench, describing their behavior as a “disgrace” for surrounding the referee and influencing the decision to caution Paqueta. He emphasized the need for respecting the officials’ decisions and condemned their unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite the setback, Moyes remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the tie and believes a strong performance in the next leg can turn the tables.

In response to Moyes’ comments, Leverkusen’s manager Xabi Alonso defended the referee’s decision, stating that the yellow card was warranted for the tackle. He downplayed any controversy, expressing confidence in their team’s approach and refraining from engaging in a war of words.

Moyes acknowledged the challenge ahead against a formidable opponent but highlighted the importance of scoring early in the return leg. He acknowledged the defensive resilience of his team but stressed the need for improvement in possession play. Looking ahead, Moyes emphasized the importance of a collective effort to overturn the deficit and advance in the competition.