Matheus Henrique’s apology to Bruno Henrique | OneFootball

Matheus Henrique apologised to Bruno Henrique after a heavy challenge in Flamengo’s Libertadores last-16 first leg against Cruzeiro on Wednesday. According to Coluna Do Fla, he told the forward there was no malice.

At 11 minutes of the first half he caught Bruno Henrique with his studs to the shin, a challenge often deemed a red. The referee showed only a yellow, which angered Flamengo’s players and supporters. The tie finished 1-1.

He described it as a glancing contact and said he had apologised on the pitch. He added the referee said the play had been reviewed and lacked the intensity for a red card, and he argued the foul that led to Flamengo’s equaliser was not a foul. He said he felt apprehensive after a recent incident involving team-mate Pec.

Despite the blow, Bruno Henrique played on into the second half before making way for Pedro. He left the Mineirão limping and upset that Matheus Henrique was not sent off. The Flamengo captain said he will undergo tests at Ninho do Urubu after considerable pain.

Reflecting on the night, Matheus Henrique praised the support and said Cruzeiro wanted a first-leg lead, having gone in front before conceding after the foul. He said they would recover, face Corinthians next, then refocus on the Libertadores, and believes they can return to Belo Horizonte with qualification.

The second leg is on Wednesday 19 at the Maracanã, with kick-off at 21h30 Brasília time, live on Rede Globo’s free-to-air channel.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”