Emanuel Pogatetz has apologised for his challenge on Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon
Middlesbrough skipper concedes he deserved to be sent off
Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz has apologised for his reckless challenge on Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon.
Pogatetz was sent off during Boro's 3-1 Carling Cup defeat at Old Trafford on Tuesday night following a wild tackle on Possebon.
The Brazilian youngster suffered a nasty gash and was stretchered off receiving oxygen amid fears he had broken his leg in the incident.
United have confirmed there is no leg break, but the club are still assessing whether Possebon has damaged any knee ligaments.
Austrian defender Pogatetz was originally unhappy about being sent off, but has now accepted his tackle deserved a red card.
Misjudged
"Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball," Pogatetz told the club's
official website.
"I now accept, however, that I misjudged the challenge.
"Immediately after the incident, I did not think it was a red-card offence because I did win the ball. But now that I have had the chance to see the tackle on TV, I know the ref was right to send me off."
Pogatetz also confirmed he is planning to speak to Possebon, who was making his first start for United in the third-round tie.
"I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him," he added.
"I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long."
