Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella concedes the reaction that led to a red card against Real Madrid ‘was wrong’ but insists he had been provoked by Eder Militao.
The Italy international saw red in the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 loss against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Barella took a swing at Militao from the floor and against the back of his knee.
However, the Brazilian defender had barged the Inter midfielder into the advertising board and kneed him in the back of the head, causing Barella’s reaction.
The Italian midfielder took a straight red card that could cause a two-match ban.
Inter finished second in their group, so they will face one of the group winners, except Juventus, in the Round of 16.
“I was wrong to react, it wasn’t nice for those watching,” Barella told SportMediaset as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“I reacted, but it’s something I could have avoided and the same goes for Militao. I apologised, speaking to him and the referee.
“I wanted to apologise after what I had done. Then, if they only give me a one-match ban, I’ll be happy.”
Barella has recently extended a contract extension with the Serie A giants but will be fined by the club for the red card collected against Madrid.
With Samir Handanovic’s deal expiring in the summer, Barella is tipped to become Inter’s captain from next season.
“I am proud to play for Inter, but Samir is the captain now,” the midfielder said. “He deserves it and I am only a guy who tries to do his best.”