Bayern Munich striker, Thomas Muller has apologised to Nicolas Tagliafico after kicking the defender in the head in kung-fu fashion, during their 3-3 draw with Ajax.
Six goals were scored with two red cards shown over the course of a dramatic 90 minutes at the Johan Cruijff Arena after both sides had already booked their places in the Champions League round of 16.
In the second half, referee Clement Turpin gave both Maximilian Wober and Muller their marching orders in the space of eight minutes and the latter’s sending off went viral across social media for obvious reasons.
The Germany forward attempted to beat Tagliafico to Noussair Mazraoui’s cross field ball but unintentionally made contact with his head.
Muller tried his best to comfort Tagliafico as he laid on the turf before being shown a red card and has now issued an apology to the Argentinian.
“I would like to apologise to Nico Tagliafico for yesterday’s incident,’ Muller wrote on Twitter.
“It was unintentional. Get well soon.”
Bayern boss, Niko Kovac admitted that Muller’s sending off was ‘fair’ before hailing an ‘amazing’ match between the two sides.
“The red card for Wober was totally justified because he took on that challenge in a negligent way,’ Metro UK quoted him as saying after the final whistle.
“The red card for Thomas was fair as well. He didn’t see the player but you have to be aware of your opponent coming at the ball at your back. Both penalty decisions correct. Both red cards correct.
“The referee did well, except in the case of the goal that made it 3-3. I’m not a referee but I think it was offside.
“I think we were part of an amazing football game. Both teams played at a high level and played with a pressing style,” he said.
“We didn’t want to give Ajax too many opportunities for counter-attacks. That’s why we played a bit more defensively and had one or two very good counter-attacks ourselves in the first half.
“Our first goal was well deserved but then we lost the ball too easily and conceded goals.”
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