Luis Enrique on tunnel bust up: It was just Christmas carols

Luis Enrique dodged a question about what happened in the tunnel after Barcelona beat Espanyol in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. 

An ill-tempered match was full of tension - and that tension spilled into the Camp Nou tunnel after the match.

The referee’s report claimed Luis Suarez provoked the Espanyol players, while Catalunya Radio say an Espanyol player threatened to “batter” a Barça player. 

However, Luis Enrique refused to satisfy the media’s interest in what had gone on. 

“That was just Christmas carols,” he said when questioned about the incidents. 

Barça won 4-1 in a match which saw the visitors end the game with nine men. 

Luis Enrique says it’s up to the officials to decide what is too much in light of some intense play from the Pericos. 

“The limits are set by the officials” he added. 

“They are the ones in charge of making sure this is football and not American football. 

“Tonight there was intensity and tension, but it’s the up to the match officials to decide on the limits.”

The Barça boss handed debuts to Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal in the game. 

On them he said: "I was pleased with Arda and Aleix - it’s clear it’s been a while since both of them last played, but I was happy with them both.”