Pepe stamp whips up Clasico controversy

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (C) is changelled by Real Madrid's Pepe (R) and Lassana Diarra during their Spanish King's Cup quarter-final first leg "El Clasico" soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Jan 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

MADRID - A stamp by Real Madrid's Pepe on Lionel Messi's hand had Jose Mourinho on the back foot after a 2-1 at home loss to Barcelona their King's Cup quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

The Portugal international was seen to nudge into Messi when the World Player of the Year was on the floor after a tackle, then stood on his hand as he walked past around 20 minutes from the end of the game.

When asked about Pepe during the post match news conference, Real coach Mourinho first said he had not seen the incident.

A second reporter asked if Pepe's action would merit internal discipline from the club if he thought Pepe had stood on Messi's hand intentionally.

"Obviously if it is intentional, is it punishable," Mourinho replied.

Real's deployment of the robust centre back in a midfield destroyer role alongside Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra signaled their intentions in seeking to disrupt Barcelona's trademark link-up play and look for swift counter-attacks.

Pepe, sent off in the Champions League semi-finals against Barca last year, picked up a yellow card early in the first half after catching Sergio Busquets's foot with a late lunge.

Later, some theatrical play-acting after Cesc Fabregas's hand brushed across Pepe's body - rolling around clutching his face - drew derision from home fans, getting increasingly frustrated as Barca dominated.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against Barcelona during their Spanish King's Cup quarter-final first leg "El Clasico" soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Jan 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Moments later, Pepe clashed with Messi, drawing a tweet from Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, who said: "Pepe. What an idiot. Sometimes people wind u up."

Guardiola was asked about the incident but said: "The players have said something, but I haven't seen the images, there isn't a TV in the dressing room. It's up to you to comment on them."

Pepe's Portuguese compatriot Ricardo Carvalho, after a making a surprise return to the Madrid starting XI, defended his team mate.

"He plays near the limit sometimes," he said. "But he always tries to get the ball and plays cleanly."

Mourinho substituted Pepe before the end of the game to whistles from the Bernabeu crowd.

Barcelona's Carles Puyol (L) celebrates his goal near his team mate Cesc Fabregas against Real Madrid during their Spanish King's Cup quarter-final first leg "El Clasico" soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Jan 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]