Source: Team_Talk
Toffee Arteta sorry for Pedersen poke
Everton playmaker Mikel Arteta has apologised to Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen for poking him in the eye in Saturday's win at Ewood Park.[LNB] The Spaniard bizarrely attacked the Norwegian winger's face after overreacting to a series of tackles from the Rovers wideman.[LNB]The 28-year-old, who was making his first start since a groin injury, feels he was the victim of a number of needless over-the-top challenges from Pedersen.[LNB]Arteta has missed a large slice of football over the past 12 months and says the prospect of another long-term injury fuelled the fire in his belly.[LNB]However, he realises he was lucky not to have been punished for his indiscretion and has now apologised to Pedersen for his overreaction.[LNB]"I probably shouldn't have reacted like I did but there have been a few times - not just this time - when he has made bad tackles," explained Arteta.[LNB]"I don't mind it when they're fair or tough, I accept it with no problem. But with him it's different and he knows that. I told him.[LNB]"But I made a mistake. I shouldn't have reacted and I apologise for it. I probably got more upset because I was out for so long and don't want a stupid challenge injuring me again.[LNB]"I wasn't even touching the ball. He just trod on my ankle. It was stupid. If he did it because he wanted me to react then he got what he wanted, which I shouldn't have done and I'm sorry."
