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Emre Can sorry for 'we're not women' comment on Cristiano Ronaldo

'I would like to state that the comments made were never focused on nor meant to degrade women, women's football or equality in any form'

Juventus midfielder Emre Can
Image: Juventus midfielder Emre Can said 'we're not women, we're playing football' in response to Cristiano Ronaldo's red card

Juventus midfielder Emre Can has apologised for his "we're not women" comments made in the aftermath of Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Valencia on Tuesday.

Ronaldo was shown red on his Champions League bow for Juventus after tussling with Valencia's Jeison Murillo and appearing to put his hand on the centre-back's head.

The 33-year-old left the pitch in tears, while Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said the forward would have avoided a red card if VAR was in use in the Champions League.

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Massimiliano Allegri believes VAR would have cleared Cristiano Ronaldo of his red card against Valencia

When shown footage by DAZN, Can said: "That's supposed to be a red? I just heard that he said it was because of hair pulling. We're not women, we're playing football. If you're giving that as a red card, you can be sent off for any foul. One hundred per cent, that is not a red card."

Can, who joined Juventus from Liverpool in the summer, took to Twitter to make his apology.

He said: "I would like to take a moment to clear the air regarding the comments I made after last night's game. My response after seeing the video footage of Cristiano's sending off seemed to have caused some commotion.

"I would like to state that the comments made were never focused on nor meant to degrade women, women's football or equality in any form. Everyone who knows me knows about my respect for women, equality and respect.

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"My intention was to stick up for my team mate regarding a wrong decision which could have affected our game. I sincerely apologise if any of the comments I made have caused any harm."

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