Joris Gnagnon issues public apology after giving a career-ending tackle to 18-year-old Liverpool player Yasser Larouci in a pre-season game.
Liverpool had a match against Sevilla in a pre-season friendly game. The Reds although lost the game, but also could have been worse as Joris Gnagnon made a career-ending tackle on Liverpool’s 18-year-old Yasser Larouci.
The La Liga defender was shown a straight red card after booting his opponent in the 76th minute, leading to the 18-year-old being stretchered off.
Gnagnon’s challenge made a huge uproar on social media, as seeing such an horrific challenge on a teenager left every one shocked. Moreover, Liverpool players and staff members were left furious at the pitch after the tackle.
Later, the 22-year-old player must have realized his mistakes, as he took on the internet to publicly apologize for his mistake on the field, and wished for the speedy recovery of his opponent.
“I would like to publicly apologise to Liverpool, the family of the player and the supporters,” he tweeted. “It was a heinous act on my part for whatever reason and should not be seen on a football field. All my prayers are with the player and the family.”
— Joris Gnagnon (@Gnagnon_39) July 22, 2019
Shortly after, his club also tweeted: “Everyone at Sevilla FC wishes Yasser Larouci to full and fast recovery after tonight’s game.”
Everyone at Sevilla FC wishes Yasser Larouci a full and fast recovery after tonight's game.
— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) July 22, 2019
Fortunately, Jurgen Klopp believes that the injury is not that serious, as Larouci seemed fine in the dressing room after a while, as Liverpool manager gave updates on his player.
“I don’t know 100 percent. It looks like he was lucky but I only spoke quickly to the Doc and that’s what he said, but we have to see,” the Reds boss said.
“He couldn’t keep on playing, so that’s the first not-so-good sign but in the dressing room it was OK.”
In the end, the match was ended 2-1 in Sevilla’s side, as Alejandro Pozo’s 90th-minute strike secured the victory. Nolito had opened the scoring before Divock Origi levelled things before half-time. However, with this incident Liverpool would be least interested about the win.
Here is the tackle
Can’t get over how disgusting this challenge is from Joris Gnagnon on Larouci…
It’s a pre season friendly and the guy’s out here trying to end an 18 year old kids career. Seems wrong he won’t be properly banned for this. pic.twitter.com/Tje4lNX0gJ
— Ben Haines (@benhainess) July 22, 2019
How twitter reacted
Absolutely no body
Literally no person in the world
Joris Gnagnon: pic.twitter.com/nQUHyDKGep— Max ⚽️ (@MenacingMurray) July 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/Sachk0/status/1153129712304062466?s=20
Nobody:
Joris Gnagnon:pic.twitter.com/2NtVsbW3ck
— Joeri Devuyst (@JoeriDevuyst) July 22, 2019
.@Gnagnon_39 has since apologised for the tackle, saying it is "not what should be seen on a football pitch".https://t.co/IFx5HaHaWC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 22, 2019
English translation of apology:#JorisGnagnon #LIVSEV #YNWA #LFC pic.twitter.com/0eruOxliZv
— Reyaaz (@reyaazm) July 22, 2019