'I just heard it' - Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso defends Boniface after middle finger scandal 

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has defended Victor Boniface in the wake of the striker's controversial celebration after his side's shootout win against VfB Stuttgart in the Supercup on Saturday night. 

The Nigeria national teamer scored arguably the easiest goal of his career to date in the eleventh minute of the contest when he tapped the ball home from inches out after Edmond Tapsoba headed the ball goalward.

Tensions arose after the game when Boniface was alleged to have celebrated Bayer Leverkusen's victory by raising his middle finger in the direction of the VfB Stuttgart players.

According to German newspaper Bild, several VfB Stuttgart players have accused the Nigerian striker of this offence but there is no confirmation of this incident as there are no TV images.

The Stuttgart players were on the verge of leaving the pitch during the celebration, but the club's press officer intervened and prevented them from doing so.

Reacting to the incident involving Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso said: "I didn't see that, I just heard it. A lot of things happened, not just that.

"There was a lot of controversy in the last few minutes, so it's not a big issue."

Following the dismissal of Martin Terrier in the 37th minute, Xabi Alonso responded to the red card by replacing Boniface with defender Jonathan Tah four minutes before halftime. 

The Super Eagles star was booked for dissent while on the bench in the 80th minute, after a VAR decision went against Bayer Leverkusen. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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