REAL MADRID CAPTAIN Sergio Ramos said he did not purposely pick up a yellow card against Ajax, having earlier revealed that he intentionally received a booking to be available for the Champions League quarter-finals.
Ramos will miss the return leg of the last-16 tie after being booked in Madrid’s controversial 2-1 win at Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
Playing in his 600th match for Madrid, Ramos was yellow carded during the closing stages, ruling him out of the second leg in the Spanish capital on 5 March.
Afterwards, Ramos admitted: “Looking at the result, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t force [the booking].
“It is not to underestimate the opponent nor to think that the series is over, but in football you have to make tough decisions.”
However, Ramos backtracked from his original comments writing on Twitter: “I want to make it clear that it hurts more than anyone, I have not forced the card, as I did not against Roma in my previous Champions League match.
“I will support from the stands as one more fan with the illusion of being in the quarters.”
Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio helped snatch victory for visiting Madrid on a milestone night for Ramos midweek.
Ramos became the seventh player to reach 600 games for Madrid in all competitions, behind Fernando Hierro and Paco Gento on the list, with the top four comprising Santillana (645 games), Manuel Sanchis (710), Iker Casillas (725) and Raul (741).
Sure Sergio! We believe you!
They all do it. That’s why Pogba got sent off.
He admitted it in the mixed area last night after the game so it’s kinda hard to then convince anyone that he didn’t . Great player but not the brightest …
@Limón Madrugada: He picked up his yellow immediately after Real’s second gaol with 6 mins left. There’s no way he makes that tackle at 1-1. It was really obvious what he was doing.
@grandslamkbo: I was watching it and I’ve heard and seen his interview in the press area . He clearly admits doing it . Later he tweets a retraction but it’s too late if you ask me .
So what are you trying to say to me ??
@Limón Madrugada: haha I’m agreeing with you. I’m saying he knew exactly what he was doing. The timing of the yellow makes it so obvious.
Taking a bit of a chance if he did. Tie is only at 2-1.
Are the42 new to the game!?
Sure he did it before, time wasted in the 1st leg of a march to intentionally get sent off in the champions league so he was available for next round. Shaking the refs hand to thank him nearly after getting sent off.
Oh crap, I definitely shouldn’t have said that booking was intentional. Ah it’s too hot today.