Rafael Leao explains red card as Man United star reacts with one-word message | OneFootball

Rafael Leao insists he wanted to defend a teammate and ‘never intended to hurt the opponent’ when he was sent off in a friendly against Chile on Saturday, receiving support from Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

Milan star Leao made headlines for the wrong reasons on Saturday as he received a straight red card for hitting an opponent during an international friendly against Chile.

Rafael Leao explains red card vs. Chile

The Portugal international explained his reaction in an Instagram post: “Regarding my sending off, I simply wanted to protect my teammate and never intended to hurt the opponent,” he wrote.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – JUNE 06: Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal speaks to Guillermo Maripan #3 and Ivan Roman #5 of Chile during the international friendly match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on June 06, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

“Thank you to all the Portuguese fans who were at Jamor; the atmosphere was incredible. We move forward together.”

Several friends commented on Leao’s Instagram post, including his compatriot Bruno Fernandes, a Manchester United midfielder. “United,” Bruno wrote in Portuguese, receiving a further reply from Leao.

The Milan star has restricted comments on his social media posts due to the criticism from Milan fans in recent months.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Leao is expected to receive a one-game ban, so, with Portugal playing one more friendly before the start of the World Cup, the Rossoneri forward should avoid suspension for the tournament’s opening game.

Portugal will make their 2026 World Cup debut on June 17 against DR Congo; it will be followed by a match against Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan on June 23 and the final group stage game against Colombia on June 28.