Ballack sorry for seeing red

Michael Ballack admits he deserved to see red for his challenge on Mohamed Sissoko.

Barclays Premiership Reaction - Sep 16

Michael Ballack has admitted he deserved his red card for his challenge on Mohamed Sissoko.

The German star received his marching orders for a stamp on the Liverpool midfielder after 42 minutes of Chelsea's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

Ballack, though, was quick to apologise for the incident - which will see him miss three Premiership games.

"It was a bad situation for me. I came in too late," he said.

"I didn't want to hurt him, but I've seen it on TV and it doesn't look good. I wanted to say sorry to him.

"It is the first straight red card of my career. I have had two yellows before, but never a straight red.

"I saw it on TV and it doesn't look good and that's why I wanted to say sorry.

"I told Sissoko I have no problem with him at all.

"In the first half ,when he could have been sent off for a second yellow card, I went to him and told him to calm down and be careful."