Xabi Alonso has brushed off David Moyes’ claims that Bayer Leverkusen were ‘disgraceful’ during Thursday’s Europa League clash.

Goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface handed the Bundesliga leaders a 2-0 win ahead of next week’s quarter-final second leg at the London Stadium.

Moyes has taken exception to Paqueta's yellow card at the BayArena

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Moyes has taken exception to Paqueta’s yellow card at the BayArenaCredit: AFP

West Ham were further hampered by a yellow card handed out to Lucas Paqueta, who will now miss the crucial return fixture through suspension.

Moyes was left furious at the circumstances surrounding Paqueta’s booking in the 21st minute at the BayArena.

The Hammers boss slammed conduct of the Leverkusen’s bench, accusing them of influencing referee Artur Dias to book the Brazilian.

“He [Paqueta] will be a huge miss, but I thought their bench was a disgrace,” Moyes said following the defeat.

“He got surrounded. I thought it was disgraceful and was really disappointing.

“You should let the referee make the decision and not the way they reacted to the incident.

“I thought it was a rule all the way through. We would not all run off and surround him. It was a poor thing for them to do and they are a good side and they didn’t need to react like that.”

Alonso has disagreed on Moyes’ view, insisting it was the right decision, as he remarked: “Oh no, I think it was a tackle that deserved a yellow card. It was fully deserved.

The Hammers have it all to do in next week's second leg at the London Stadium

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The Hammers have it all to do in next week’s second leg at the London StadiumCredit: Getty
Alonso has had his say on Moyes' 'disgraceful' comments towards his side

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Alonso has had his say on Moyes’ ‘disgraceful’ comments towards his sideCredit: Getty

“I think David’s talking with the fourth official a lot of times, we all do, I do as well.

“It’s nothing to talk about disgraceful. I think that we have all the right, he has to see his bench as well.

Simon Jordan says West Ham United could outclass Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-final and Hammers fans will still want David Moyes gone

“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.”

West Ham must become the first team this season to beat Leverkusen if they stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-final.

Alonso’s side are unbeaten in all competitions and can wrap up their first Bundesliga title with a victory over Werder Bremen on Sunday.


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