Soccer Extreme : Real Madrid defender Pepe faces a lengthy suspension after a violent altercation followed his dismissal in the champions’ 3-2 victory against Getafe tonight.The match in the capital was poised at 2-2 with just a few minutes of normal time remaining when Pepe was adjudged to have pushed Javier Casquero inside the penalty area and a spot-kick was awarded, followed by a red card.
The situation became heated when Pepe appeared to aim a kick at Casquero as the Getafe player lay on the ground. The Portugal defender then confronted Casquero and several of his team-mates, during which time he raised his hands at his opponents.
As a result, Pepe is believed to have been shown the red card numerous times, before Casquero saw his penalty saved by Iker Casillas and Gonzalo Higuian pounced to snatch all three points for the hosts during a frantic ending at the Santiago Bernabeu.“I apologise to all the fans of football,” Pepe said after the match. “People know this is not my style. I ask forgiveness from everyone, especially Casquero. And to his family; to our own fans, also. It was not a good attitude.
“A Real Madrid player must always set an example and I have not done so, all I can do it apologise. I have not had a chance to speak with Casquero, I will do as soon as I can.
“I don’t know what will happen to me now. I am not a violent player. I have few yellow cards this season and I hope that is considered. But this is bad and I know I must be punished.“Nothing like this has ever happened in my life. Off the field, I am happy and enjoy life. I try not to look at things in a bad way. I don’t know what happened to me. I have had a reaction for which I do not know the explanation.”
Video: Watch as defender loses control in La Liga encounter
Video : Watch the incident by clicking on the screen below