Middlesbrough

Southgate Says Sorry To Possebon

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has apologised to Manchester United's Rodrigo Possebon, who was felled by an atrocious tackle in last night's Carling Cup clash...

Sep 24, 2008 4:06:15 AM

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Gareth Southgate - Middlesbrough (PA)

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Possebon had to be stretchered from the pitch and was later taken to hospital after being on the receiving end of a brutal challenge from Emanuel Pogatetz.

The Boro captain scythed down the United youngster with a knee-high lunge that earned him a red card and looks to have broken the 19-year-old's leg.

Sir Alex Ferguson was clearly distressed by the incident and almost came to blows with members of Middlesbrough's coaching staff on the touchline.

“One of their bench was screaming that it wasn’t even a sending off,” fumed the United manager.

Pogatetz is likely to face additional charges, not only for the severity of the offence but also for claiming innocence and refusing to leave the field after being dismissed.

The Austrian defender may not have been repentant, but his manager certainly was and made no excuses for his skipper's appalling behaviour.

“I’ve no complaints and we apologise to the player,” Southgate told The Sun.

“I just hope it is not serious and the lad has a quick recovery.”

Leslie May