FEDERICO VALVERDE has apologised to Alvaro Morata over his shamelessly dirty tackle that helped Real Madrid win the Spanish Super Cup.
The Uruguayan, 21, slid in and clobbered Atletico Madrid striker Morata in the 114th minute of the match that was in extra time in Jeddah.
Diego Simeone, right, patted Federico Valverde on the head after he was sent off in the Spanish Super Cup finalCredit: Reuters
Valverde slid in to clobber Alvaro Morata but it helped Real Madrid win the trophy on penaltiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Morata was clean through on goal, with only former Chelsea team-mate Thibaut Courtois to beat.
But as he was squaring to shoot Valverde slid in and clattered his legs, which led to referee Jose Maria Sanchez sending the Real Madrid man off.
Despite the scandalously poor sportsmanship, opposing manager Diego Simeone admitted he would have done the same as Valverde.
The defender said: “I apologise to Alvaro Morata.
“I know it’s not good what I did but I didn’t have any other option.
“My companions congratulated me when I left the field.”
Atleti manager Simeone was philosophical in defeat, before admitting he would have done exactly the same as Valverde.
Simeone sympathetically patted the player on the head as he walked off the pitch.
The Argentinian said: “Fede Valverde’s red card was the most important moment of the game.
“I told him not to worry, that anyone would have done the same in his position.
“He won the game.”
To rub salt in Atletico Madrid’s wounds, Valverde was handed the man of the match award after the game in recognition of his performance before seeing red.
Valverde is now likely to miss the La Liga tie between Real and Atletico a the Bernabeu on February 1 because of suspension.
Saul and Thomas Lemar missed penalties for Atletico as they lost the shootout, with Sergio Ramos scoring the decisive spot kick for Real.
There was no question Valverde would be sent offCredit: AFP or licensors
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
