'Totally deserved' – Xabi Alonso defends Bayer Leverkusen after Lucas Paquetá's 'shameful' denunciation of David Moyes

Xabi Alonso has played down David Moyes' claims that Bayer Leverkusen were “embarrassing” during Thursday's Europa League clash.

Goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface gave victory to the Bundesliga leader 2-0 victory ahead of next week's quarter-final second leg at the London Stadium.

West Ham were even more harmed by the yellow card shown to Lucas Paquetáwho will now miss the crucial second leg due to suspension.

moyes He was furious at the circumstances surrounding Paquetá's 21st-minute booking at the BayArena.

He Hammers The coach criticized the conduct of the Leverkusen bench, accusing him of having influenced referee Artur Dias to caution the Brazilian.

“He (Paqueta) will be a big loss, but I thought his bench was a disgrace,” Moyes said after the defeat.

“He found himself surrounded. I thought he was embarrassing and really disappointing.

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

“I thought it was a rule in every way. We wouldn't all run away and surround him. “It was a bad thing on their part, they are a good team and they didn't need to react like that.”

Alonso disagreed with Moyes' opinion, insisting it was the correct decision, as he commented: “Oh no, I think it was a tackle that deserved a yellow card. It was totally deserved.

3

3

“I think David talks to the fourth official many times, we all do it, me too.

“It's nothing shameful. I think we have every right, he also has to see his bench.

“I respect David, but I thought it was the right decision by 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 have any chance of qualifying for the semi-final.

Alonso's side are unbeaten in all competitions and can claim their first Bundesliga title with a win over Werder Bremen on Sunday.