Ranieri backtracks on Hummels’ red card: ‘Harsh’ | OneFootball

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has partially changed his mind on Mats Hummels’ red card and now says it was a ‘harsh’ and ‘a bit forced’ decision.

The German defender was sent off after just 11 minutes in Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 second leg against Athletic Club.

Ranieri had said after the final whistle that Hummels deserved the red card, but he offered a different view during a press conference on Saturday.

“Before we start, I want to add something about Hummels’ red card,” the coach said via TMW.

Ranieri backtracks on Hummels’ red card: ‘Harsh’

EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 9: Head coach Claudio Ranieri of AS Roma reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and AS Roma at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 9, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“I saw the video on the phone, but not the whole action sequence. I think the red card can be justified, but it was a bit forced. Not all four criteria were met to define it as a clear goal-scoring opportunity. It was a harsh decision. It could have given it or not. In a high-profile match like Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid, a referee would have given a yellow card after ten minutes, and no one would have complained.

“Turpin and Letexier are good referees. Things didn’t go the right way. But that’s football. I usually don’t do press conferences after Cup matches, but Cagliari is where I started my coaching career, so I wanted to be here.”

The Giallorossi will host the Sardinians at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.

Roma currently occupy a Conference League spot as they sit 7th in the Serie A table.

Hummels apologised to fans and teammates on social media after Roma’s 3-1 loss to Athletic Club on Thursday. Ranieri revealed that the experienced defender did the same inside the Giallorossi dressing room.

“He apologised to the team. The kid is very sorry and I ask them to react,” said the Giallorossi boss.

“Whether it’s good or bad, it has to be forgotten. Cagliari is well-coached, and we need to play a great game to overcome them. They will come here with a knife between their teeth. They play very vertically.”

Roma have been the best team in Europe’s top five leagues in 2025, earning 26 points in ten league matches.

They have also won ten of the last 11 home games across all competitions.