'Football hits me hard' - Barcelona red-card villain Ronald Araujo sends heartfelt apology after costly dismissal in dramatic PSG Champions League exit

Barcelona's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals were shattered on Tuesday as they went down 6-4 on aggregate. The Catalan giants took an early lead in the second leg courtesy of Raphinha's strike but Araujo's red card drastically changed the complexion of the game. The Uruguay international was guilty of bringing down Bradley Barcola as he ran through on the goal and was immediately sent off for his clumsy challenge.

PSG eventually registered a 4-1 win in the match thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe, while Vitinha and Ousmane Dembele scored two more. The Blaugrana defender has issued a heartfelt statement on social media where he apologised to the fans for letting them down in a crucial game.

Taking to X, the 25-year-old wrote: "The football that gave me so much joy, now hits me hard. I thank all those who are unconditionally by my side, my teammates who left everything on the field, and the fans who believed in this team until the end. I am very sorry not to give you this joy. We will try again. Força Barça, forever! God in control."

Xavi's side will be next seen in action in La Liga on Sunday as they take on arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.