Marcus Thuram: Borussia Monchengladbach forward apologises for spitting at face of opponent
- Published
Marcus Thuram (right) and Austrian defender Stefan Posch (left) clashed with just over 10 minutes of the match remaining
Borussia Monchengladbach's Marcus Thuram has apologised after being sent off for spitting at the face of Hoffenheim defender Stefan Posch.
The French forward, 23, was shown a straight red card in the 79th minute of Saturday's 2-1 defeat after VAR spotted foul play against the Austrian.
Borussia Monchengladbach said Thuram would receive a fine "which will likely be followed by an internal ban".
"That is not in my character and must never happen," said Thuram., external
"I reacted to an opponent in a wrong way and something occurred accidentally and not intentionally.
"I apologise to everyone. Of course, I accept all of the consequences of my gesture."
Prior to the incident, Andrej Kramaric had just equalised for Hoffenheim, before Tottenham loanee Ryan Sessegnon scored what proved to be a late winner.
This was the first time the forward - the son of 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram - had been shown red for Gladbach during his two seasons in the Bundesliga.
"He did it, but he did not do it with intent," said Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl., external "As a club, we will fine him a sum equivalent to one month's wage for his behaviour that led to the dismissal, which will be donated to a good cause.
"Marcus apologised to Stefan Posch, TSG Hoffenheim, his team-mates, the coaching staff and the Gladbach fans, and I would like to do this again explicitly on behalf of Borussia Monchengladbach.
"Marcus made a big mistake and is being punished for it. He remains the same person we know, and we will stand by him."
Gladbach, who play Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League, are in eighth place in the league.
They have not won any of their past six games in all competitions, while opponents Hoffenheim have moved up to 11th in the table.
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