Javier Mascherano has apologised for kicking a medical official in Argentina's 1-1 World Cup qualification draw against Ecuador.
The Barcelona defender earned himself a straight red card in the 86th minute after repeatedly kicking a stretcher-bearer in the back whilst he was taken to the sidelines for treatment.
ADVERTISEMENT
“One must be big enough to admit it when you make a mistake. What happened is really embarrassing and it saddens me. I hope that my mistake does not tarnish the good image of the team,” Mascherano said.
“I was wrong and I apologise. I am generally not the kind of player to cause controversy and this is quite embarrassing. The stretcher was going too fast and I felt I was about to fall off. I wanted to warn him, but my reaction cannot be justified.”