Eder Sarabia apologises after clash with Ernesto Valverde over late Athletic penalty | OneFootball

Eder Sarabia issued a public apology after his post-match clash with Ernesto Valverde, sparked by the late penalty that gave Athletic victory over Elche. According to El Correo, the Elche head coach, son of former Athletic player Manu Sarabia, said on social media he sometimes behaves in ways he would rather avoid.

The visiting coach railed at his counterpart over the spot-kick awarded by Hernández Hernández in the 87th minute for the Bilbao side, which brought the winning goal and completed a brace for Guruzeta.

Television footage showed Sarabia angry as he greeted Valverde, gesturing and prodding him in the chest with a finger. Valverde tried to cool things down, then turned towards his bench and waved the matter away, while Sarabia also returned to his technical area still visibly annoyed.

The pair later appeared together for the post-match television debrief in the dressing rooms, where the mood was light, with smiles and a joke about a possible group bike ride. They then addressed the flashpoint more soberly, Sarabia saying they saw the incident differently, that Valverde was not to blame, and reiterating his admiration and respect. Valverde noted the tension and said it was nothing out of the ordinary. Sarabia added he has avoided speaking about referees for some time, though he made clear he disliked the decision.

In his press conference, Sarabia repeated praise he had given this week, calling Valverde the best coach in Athletic’s history and recalling he once watched him play for enjoyment. He said he left with a bitter taste and was upset by the ending, yet that stepping on the pitch and hearing the anthem moved him.

Source: El Correo