Philippe Mexes: Milan defender sent off amid Serie A brawl

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Philippe MexesImage source, Getty Images

Has there been an angrier footballer anywhere in Europe this season?

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes was sent off on Saturday during his team's 3-1 defeat at Lazio after grabbing Lazio captain Stefano Mauri by the throat.

The pair were separated but Frenchman Mexes went back for more, first trying to head-butt Mauri before grabbing him from behind.

"I have to apologise to the club, the coach and my family," Mexes said afterwards. "It was the wrong reaction and I am sorry because I left the team with 10 men and I will be suspended.

"Unfortunately I made a mistake. In my career I have had these reactions. These things should not happen out on a football pitch.

"I have children and this is not the sort of example that a father should set."

Mexes' dismissal came on the same day as Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo's red card for kicking and slapping Cordoba player Edimar.

Image source, Reuters
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French defender Mexes was sent off for grabbing Lazio captain Mauri by the throat

Image source, EPA
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Mexes confronted Mauri immediately after the referee had sent him off

Image source, Getty Images
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AC Milan's Riccardo Montolivo (right) struggles to pull Mexes away from Mauri

Image source, Getty Images
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Mexes initially grabbed Mauri by the throat before grabbing him from behind

Image source, Getty Images
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AC Milan's players tried to restrain Mexes but struggled to contain the angry defender

Image source, Reuters
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Mexes was sent off in stoppage time of the 3-1 defeat

Image source, Reuters
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Mexes saw red during a game which resulted in a third loss for AC Milan in five league games

Image source, Getty Images
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After being pulled away from Mauri, he then grabbed the throat of Lazio's Lorik Cana

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