“I hope and wish Ederson a quick recovery.”
Sadio Mane has apologised for kicking Ederson in the face during Liverpool’s 5-0 loss to Manchester City. The pair experienced a nasty collision before half-time of Saturday’s game at the Etihad.
With the home side leading 1-0, Mane chased after a ball from Joel Matip over the top of City’s defence. Ederson rushed from his penalty area, and got to the loose ball just before the speedy Liverpool winger. However, Mane collided with Ederson, landing his foot in the City goalkeeper’s face
The kick was evidently accidental, but Mane received a red card for the incident from referee John Moss, a decision that caused a lot of debate on social media.
Ederson needed treatment on the field, and had to be stretchered off before being replaced by Claudio Bravo.
The City goalkeeper had scans on his jaw and cheekbone following the collision, but was thankfully given the all-clear by doctors in Manchester.
Jurgen Klopp said following the match that Mane was extremely upset over the incident, worried about Ederson, and surprised at the decision to send him off.
Jürgen Klopp: "Sadio is very, very, very upset. You couldn’t keep him up. He was shocked by the situation and the decision."
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) September 9, 2017
“It was an accident,” the Liverpool manager told reporters.
“A very unlucky situation. I think everyone knows he didn’t see the goalie. There was not one second he looks at the goalie. He just wanted to get the ball as soon as possible. Hopefully the goalie is not seriously injured.”
Mane posted a message of support to Ederson following the game, wishing the ‘keeper well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY1KynIl2w5/?taken-by=sadiomaneofficiel
Mane wrote:
“I hope and wish Ederson a quick recovery. I am so sorry he was hurt during our accidental collision on the pitch and am sorry for him that he could not complete the match because of it. I pray he heals fast and is back playing very soon because he is highest quality player.”
The Liverpool winger, who started the season in brilliant form, could receive a three-match ban for the red card.
