Manchester United's Rafael says sorry to ref Mike Dean after red-card rant at Tottenham

19 January 2011 08:42
Manchester United full back Rafael has apologised for his rant at ref Mike Dean over his controversial red card at Tottenham.[LNB]The young Brazilian has admitted a misconduct charge brought against him by the Football Association but has requested a personal hearing to plead his case.[LNB]However, the 20-year-old admits he was wrong to remonstrate with referee Mike Dean.[LNB]'I have accepted the charge because what I did was wrong,' he said. 'It happened because I was so frustrated at being sent off in such an important game. I apologise for my behaviour.'[LNB] Not going quietly: Rafael (left) protests after his dismissal against Tottenham[LNB]By pleading guilty to the improper conduct charge Rafael hopes that the FA will not increase his punishment when they hear his case on Friday. [LNB]Rafael already knows he will miss United's Premier League encounter withBirmingham at Old Trafford on Saturday.[LNB]However, a disciplinary panel on Friday could add an additional game to his punishment and rule him out of next Tuesday's trip to Blackpool.[LNB]Alternatively, he could be fined or simply warned about his future conduct.Rafael lost his cool when Dean decided his trip on Benoit Assou-Ekotto during the second half of Sunday's goalless draw was worthy of a second yellow card.[LNB]The youngster clearly disagreed and will take heart from the fact both managers felt the same way.[LNB]'It's not worth discussing because everyone can see it,' Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game. "It's out of my bounds now. Thank God.;[LNB]Even Spurs boss Harry Redknapp described the decision as 'harsh'. He added: 'It was like Mary Decker and Zola Budd in the Olympics a few years back.'[LNB] Rafael pleads guilty over ref rage in Manchester United's draw at SpursGraham Poll: Rooney should have gone off with Rafael at TottenhamAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion  [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail