Friday, 20th January, 2012
Real Madrid defender Pepe has said sorry for appearing to stamp on Lionel Messi’s hand during Los Blancos’ Copa del Rey clash with Barcelona in midweek.
Jose Mourinho’s men lost the first leg of the tie 2-1 at the Bernabeu, but the spotlight quickly fell on Pepe, who looked to stamp on Messi’s hand when the Argentine was on the floor.
The Spanish press quickly rounded on the Portuguese defender for his actions, and now Pepe has come out to apologise.
"I wish to say that yesterday’s incident with Leo Messi was unintentional, but I nevertheless want to apologise to him if he was offended because all I do is defend my team and this institution", said the 28-year-old.
"I give my heart and soul and the thought of hurting a colleague has never entered my mind."
Mourinho himself has claimed not to have seen the clash, but insisted if Pepe has done wrong he will be punished.
"I haven’t seen it", said the Portuguese, "but obviously if it is deliberate he will be punished."
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