Middlesbrough FC

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Pogatetz sorry for tackle

25 Sep 2008 - 07:11:09

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Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz will apologise to Rodrigo Possebon for the horror tackle that led to the Manchester United youngster being carried off the pitch in Tuesday's Carling Cup clash between the two sides.

Austria international Pogatetz was dismissed for the challenge which left United boss Sir Alex Ferguson fuming after the match.

Pogatetz told Boro's official website: "Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball. 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.

"I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him. I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long."

Ferguson had been unimpressed by the whole incident, saying after his side's 3-1 victory: "The thing that gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he's done nothing wrong.

"Pogatetz should have just walked off the field. Then you get their bench screaming that is wasn't a sending-off and there is nothing wrong with our player.

"After the game Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity. It was an absolutely terrible tackle."