Former Real Madrid star Marcelo, was left visibly distraught on Tuesday evening after accidentally injuring Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez during a Copa Libertadores match.
In a moment of intense competition for the ball, Marcelo, who currently plays for Fluminense in Brazil, inadvertently stamped down on Sanchez’s leg, resulting in an instant and visibly broken leg for the defender.
Luciano Sánchez, 29, suffered the serious injury after a challenge by the veteran left-back. His teammates initially believed he had broken his leg, but a medical report published by the club said it was a full dislocation.
The former Real Madrid player was red carded and sent off in tears as the Argentinian screamed on the pitch, surrounded by concerned players on both teams.
The incident took place in the 56th minute of the match, which finished 1-1.
Local media say doctors at the Sanatorio Finochietto hospital estimated Sánchez’ recovery time between eight and 12 months due to the incident.
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After the match, the Brazilian footballer took to social media to express his regret and concern for his injured opponent, writing, “Today, I had to experience a very difficult moment on the pitch. I have inadvertently injured a colleague. I want to wish you the best possible recovery Luciano Sanchez. I send you all the strength in the world!”
Football fans around the world were also quick to react to the incident, with one fan, @Irunnia even tweeting: “I don’t think he can ever come back from this. His career is over permanently.”
Argentinos Juniors thanked the Brazilian club and the footballer for their concern for Sánchez.
“We are rivals, not enemies,” the Argentinian club said.
Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz, who is also Brazil’s national team coach until the middle of next year, said in a press conference that Marcelo did not deserve to be sent off and called the incident “an unfortunate event.”
Gabriel Avalos opened the scoring with a volley for the hosts in the 14th minute of the first leg of the round-of-16 match. Argentinos later saw its goalkeeper Alexis Martin Arias sent off in the 76th minute, and be replaced by substitute midfielder Luciano Heredia until the end of the match.
Fluminense took advantage of the opportunity and equalized with Samuel Xavier in the 87th minute from long range.
The teams will play again next Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium for a place in the quarterfinals.
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