HISTORY TELLS US that pre-game handshakes can lead to problems. But, when there’s a flare-up between two guys with some history, things can get very messy. And that’s exactly what happened at the Cotton Bowl in Texas last night when Real Madrid took on Roma.
During the pleasantries before kick-off, the Serie A side’s midfielder Seydou Keita refused to shake Pepe’s hand and moments later, threw a water bottle at him. Three years ago, while playing for Barcelona, Keita alleged he was racially abused by the Madrid centre-back and clearly has never forgiven him.
Players from both teams attempted to calm down the situation and though Pepe tried to laugh off what had happened, rumours quickly spread that he spat at Keita in retaliation though nothing was caught on camera.
Pepe and Keita were embroiled in another row during El Clasico in 2011. Daniel Ochoa de Olza / AP/Press Association Images
Daniel Ochoa de Olza / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images
Keita had the last laugh as his side went on to beat Real 1-0 thanks to a goal from Francesco Totti.
Hours after the game finished, Keita took to Twitter to explain his actions and apologise for his behavior.
1 il me traite de singe Madrid barca 2 je lui serre pas la main 3 il me crache dessus après je lui lance bouteille désolé pour mon attitude
Old enemies Seydou Keita and Pepe clash again during Real Madrid/Roma friendly
HISTORY TELLS US that pre-game handshakes can lead to problems. But, when there’s a flare-up between two guys with some history, things can get very messy. And that’s exactly what happened at the Cotton Bowl in Texas last night when Real Madrid took on Roma.
During the pleasantries before kick-off, the Serie A side’s midfielder Seydou Keita refused to shake Pepe’s hand and moments later, threw a water bottle at him. Three years ago, while playing for Barcelona, Keita alleged he was racially abused by the Madrid centre-back and clearly has never forgiven him.
Players from both teams attempted to calm down the situation and though Pepe tried to laugh off what had happened, rumours quickly spread that he spat at Keita in retaliation though nothing was caught on camera.
Keita had the last laugh as his side went on to beat Real 1-0 thanks to a goal from Francesco Totti.
Hours after the game finished, Keita took to Twitter to explain his actions and apologise for his behavior.
The tweet translates as:
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Brawl Pepe Real Madrid Roma schemozzle Seydou Keita