Sunday Mar 16 2008 08:36
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate defended striker Mido after he was sent off late on in the 1-1 draw at
Arsenal.
The Egypt striker was dismissed two minutes from time for catching Gael Clichy in the face with a high boot, having only come on at the Emirates Stadium with 12 minutes left to play.
However, Southgate was adamant that his player had not meant any harm to the Gunners' French left-back.
He said: "I don't think he meant it. He caught him, but he was looking at the ball the whole time and Mido is distraught because he's not a dirty player.
"It's a nasty injury, but hopefully the ref will have a look at it as I feel the lad was trying to play the ball.
"He's been to see Clichy and he's disappointed that the knock is so bad.
"Should he have his foot that high? Maybe not, but I don't think there was any intent there and a three-game ban would be harsh."
Meanwhile, Southgate was pleased to see his side bounce back from their dire display last weekend in their 2-0 FA Cup sixth round defeat at home to Cardiff City.
He added: "We should be delighted, but Arsenal probably deserved to get something from the game.
"I'm incredibly proud of how they performed. We were a bit of a laughing stock last weekend and we lost a lot of pride that day."
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