Rudiger apologises for hurting France defender Pavard

Antonio Rudiger has apologised to Benjamin Pavard after the Germany defender’s studs left painful-looking marks on the France full-back’s neck in Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash.

Chelsea defender Rudiger insisted it was not deliberate and has wished Pavard a swift recovery.

“Sorry for Benjamin Pavard, it wasn’t intentional,” Rudiger tweeted on Friday. 

“I have apologised to him right after it happened and I also want to use this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery!”

Sorry for @BenPavard28, it wasn’t intentional. I have apologized to him right after it happened and I also want to use this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery! 

— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) September 7, 2018

Pavard did not accuse the centre-back of anything malicious and claimed the incident was merely part of the game.

“It’s really painful, but it’s part of football,” said the Stuttgart man. “Honestly, I don’t know if he did it intentionally. I haven’t seen the replay yet. All I can say is that it’s part of football.”

6 – Alphonse Areola