REAL MADRID legend Marcelo was sent off for an “absolutely horrific” tackle last night.
The 35-year-old left the pitch in tears after inadvertently injuring opponent Luciano Sanchez.
EPAThe Brazilian immediately apologised for his challenge[/caption]
EPAReal Madrid legend Marcelo was distraught at Sanchez’s injury[/caption]
EPAThe 35-year-old was tearful as he left the pitch[/caption]
Marcelo now plies his trade back in Brazil with Fluminense.
He was in action last night as his side took on Argentinos Juniors in the Copa Libertadores.
During the 56th minute, Marcelo attempted to dribble around Sanchez.
In doing so, he accidentally stepped on Sanchez’s outstretched leg.
The 29-year-old was subsequently left screaming out in pain and had to be stretchered off the pitch.
Marcelo was visibly upset at having injured an opponent and was in tears as he was red carded.
Sanchez’s team-mates initially believed he had broken his leg in the incident.
It was later revealed by his club that he had in fact fully dislocated his knee.
After the match, Marcelo wrote on social media: “I lived a very tough moment on the pitch today.
“With no intention I injured a fellow footballer. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sanchez.”
Fluminense’s manager Fernando Diniz, who is also Brazil’s interim boss, denied that Marcelo should have been sent off – calling the incident “unfortunate”.
Argentinos Juniors had led 1-0 at the time, courtesy of Gabriel Avalos’ 14th minute opener.
They were down to ten men themselves on 76 minutes, when goalkeeper Alexis Martin Arias received his marching orders.
Fluminense star Samuel Xavier Brito equalised three minutes from time, with the match finishing 1-1.
The two sides will meet again for a place in the quarter-finals in next Tuesday’s second-leg at the Maracana – with Marcelo set to miss out through suspension.
Argentine full-back Sanchez has played for Argentinos Juniors since signing from Independiente Rivadiavia last year.
Marcelo, meanwhile, returned to Fluminense earlier this year – 16 years after leaving them to join Real Madrid.
He left Santiago Bernabeu in 2022, spending five months in Greece with Olympiacos before having his contract terminated.
Commenting on last night’s incident, one fan wrote: “Absolutely horrific.”
A second called it a “freak accident”.
And a third tweeted: “Poor guy. Hope he recovers quickly. Horrific injury. Marcelo feel for him as well.”
EPAMarcelo wished Sanchez well in his recovery after the match[/caption]
