Messi reprimanded over spitting

Guardiola unhappy over Duda incident

By Carla Hilton   Last updated: 3rd November 2008

Lionel Messi goal celeb Dundee United v Barcelona friendly

Messi: Reprimanded

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Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has been reprimanded by coach Pep Guardiola for spitting at an opponent.

Messi appeared to spit at Portuguese midfielder Duda during the Spanish giants' 4-1 win over Malaga at the weekend after the two exchanged words.

Guardiola deemed the incident unacceptable and has said he is dealing with the matter in hand.

"It is not right that these sort of things can happen," said Guardiola.

The clash between Messi and Duda was not the only incident in the match, with Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o subjected to racist chants from the home crowd.

Both incidents marred the match which resulted in Barcelona going top of the league with their seventh successive league win and 11th in all competitions.