Mexes: ‘I have no excuses’

Philippe Mexes made a public apology after shocking scenes in which he attacked Stefano Mauri during Lazio-Milan.

The defender saw red for retaliating to a foul from Mauri, but after the dismissal went back for more and put his opponent in a chokehold while teammates tried to drag him away.

“I am here to take responsibility, which is only right when you make a mistake,” said Mexes on Sky Sport Italia.

Philippe Mexes made a public apology after shocking scenes in which he attacked Stefano Mauri during Lazio-Milan.

The defender saw red for retaliating to a foul from Mauri, but after the dismissal went back for more and put his opponent in a chokehold while teammates tried to drag him away.

“I am here to take responsibility, which is only right when you make a mistake,” said Mexes on Sky Sport Italia.

“First of all I apologise to the club, to my teammates and the fans because this is behaviour that has happened more than once in my career."

The former Roma centre-back has received 16 red cards in all competition.

“I cannot accept the reaction I had. I didn’t do much on the field, but after the red I reacted in completely the wrong way.

“I have four kids, so I know this is not the right example to set as a father or as a player. I am aware of that sense of responsibility and I apologise.

“I have no excuses, as it’s a football match and you cannot behave like that. I take responsibility and promise it won’t happen again. It was my fault, that’s all.”

Milan will play Lazio again on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia quarter-final at San Siro, so the squad will be locked down in a training retreat.

“Now we get the chance to prove who we really are and get back to the real Milan. Along with Pippo Inzaghi? 100 per cent. 1,000 per cent.”