(VIDEO) Chile paid the consequences of the expulsion of ‘King Arturo’ after 13 minutes of play and later began to live a nightmare.
Arturo Vidal has been selected by the Chilean press as the villain of the day. The Inter Milan midfielder was sent off at 13 minutes for a strong tackle on the Ecuadorian defender Félix Torres, during the match that was played on Tuesday night at the San Carlos de Apoquindo stadium in Santiago.
Chile paid the consequences, because it never managed to hide the depleted midfield. However, La Roja’s nightmare worsened in the following minutes with the injuries of Eugenio Mena and Alexis Sánchez.
King Arturo He justified his dangerous maneuver by ensuring that he did not see the Ecuadorian defender and that he did not intend to hit him.
In statements to the channel TNT Sports Chile, Vidal claimed innocence: “I did not see the player, I did not intend to hit him. I feel sad. I think what happened today was incredible. I never thought I could be expelled. I didn’t see the player, so I just apologized to my teammates, the coaching staff, the people who came to support “.
“I never saw it, how am I going to kick someone like that. He went with his head first. Later, when I saw that it was long, I raised my foot, but never with the intention of hitting him. I leave with great sadness, apart were my children (in the stadium) “, the Inter Milan player insisted, almost breaking his voice.
The result of his action was even highlighted by captain Claudio Bravo as one of the keys to his team’s defeat. “It is difficult to compete with one less man,” said the veteran goalkeeper.
On his Instagram account, Vidal also presented his excuses. “I cant believe it yet. I can only apologize to my teammates, the coaching staff, my family and my entire country. We will continue fighting until the end ”.
Tuesday night, at the home of the Catholic University, was not the first time that Arturo Vidal was expelled from a match against Ecuador for World Cup qualifiers, since in October 2012, in the qualifying for Brazil 2014, he and his teammate Pablo Contreras they saw the red card at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium in Quito. La Roja, then led by Jaime Vera (Claudio Borghi suspended and in the stands) lost 3-1 to the Tricolor. (D)
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
