Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos denies intentional booking against Ajax
Thursday 14 February 2019 17:25, UK
Sergio Ramos' post-match comments will be investigated by UEFA after he admitted intentionally picking up a booking against Ajax, before later denying the claim.
The Real Madrid captain fouled Kasper Dolberg with Madrid leading 2-1 in the closing stages of the last-16 first-leg tie in Amsterdam, ruling him out of the return leg at the Bernabeu.
A suspension at this stage of the competition reduces the risk of missing a match in the final rounds.
In his post-match interview Ramos told reporters he would "be lying if I said I didn't force [the booking]", describing the act as a "tough decision".
However, the Spain international took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to deny manipulating UEFA's rules around suspension.
"In a game there is always a lot of tension and you have to take decisions in seconds. The best thing about tonight was the result, the worst that I will not be in the second leg due to one moment in the game," he wrote.
"I want to make it clear that this hurts me more than it would hurt anyone, I did not get the yellow card on purpose, just like the last yellow card I got in the competition.
"I will be supporting from the stands like any other fan hoping we get into the quarter-finals."
Ramos faces a further one-match ban if he is found guilty of purposely obtaining a booking.
UEFA have also opened disciplinary proceedings against both Real Madrid and Ajax over several supporter incidents.
Real Madrid and Ajax have both been charged for setting off fireworks, while the Eredivisie club also face further charges for the throwing of objects and illicit banners.
