Manchester City Football Club News

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• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Sven reveals Ireland apology

10 Dec 2007 - 07:41:28

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Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed Stephen Ireland apologised for his sending off in the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Ireland was shown a straight red card by referee Mark Halsey for an ugly lunge on Young-Pyo Lee with the scores level at 1-1 at White Hart Lane.

Sixty seconds later, substitute Jermain Defoe fired home the winner and afterwards Ireland offered an immediate apology to his manager.

"When I saw it from the bench I thought it was harsh but looking at it in the dressing room, I don't think we should complain about it," said Eriksson.

"I took him in front of the laptop and when we saw it together there was nothing to say. Of course, he apologised and is sorry.

"He should not have done the tackle but he did it - a week ago Robbie Keane did something similar and was sent off.

"They are great footballers. Sometimes adrenaline goes inches too high. It's not a problem, he plays a heavy price for it."

However, the former England boss refused to criticise the referee for awarding Spurs a controversial opener when Pascal Chimbonda was in an offside position and appeared to divert Dimitar Berbatov's shot over the line with his hand.

"It's nothing to discuss," he added. "The referees in this country are honest and always try to do their best."