Jordi Alba says he did not show Mateu Lahoz a "lack of respect" in Barça's derby win

Jordi Alba says he doesn't understand why he was sent off in Barcelona's 2-0 win against Espanyol. 

The left-back saw two yellows in the space of a few seconds at the beginning of the second half, the second, he said, for saying "always the same, always me" to the referee Mateu Lahoz.

At no moment, Alba protests, did he show a lack of repsect to the official.

"The first card was for protesting," he explained. "I didn't think it was a goal kick, I thought it should have been a corner.

"I've only said: 'Always the same. Always me.' I didn't say anything else.

"With [Mateu] as referee, I've always had problems. I always try to speak to him politely, though.

"I am strong-willed, but today I have not disrespected anyone. I know how to act in the future."

Alba also spoke about the importance of the win: "It's a difficult place to come. We're playing for La Liga and we were very good in the first half. 

"We couldn't keep that pace because of my disimissal, but the team played a great match."

Mateu Lahoz has explained that the two yellow cards Alba received were for the same reason: "Protesting my decision."