U-20 World Cup: Senegal’s Diagne Apologizes for Send-off

Senegal’s Ousseynou Cavin Diagne has issued a groveling apology to fans back home following his send-off last Sunday.

The defensive midfielder first picked up a yellow card in the 67^th minute for what appeared to be a reckless challenge on an opponent before getting sent off for a repeat offense in the final minutes of Senegal’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador at the U-20 World Cup in South Korea.

The 17-year-old was crucial in the Junior Lions’ midfield but his red card forced a 10-man Senegal on the backs until the final minute. The press back home did not hesitate to rip apart Diagne’s reckless fouls that nearly cost the team.

Aware of the buzz his challenge generated in Dakar, the midfielder offered his apologies to fans back home.

“The referee was certainly carried away. I had not touched my opponent,” Diagne says defensively.

“For those who know me, I am not a player who uses intimidation, trying to hurt my opponent in physical duels.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I’m sorry. It is because of the tension of the match, and it will serve as a lesson for the future,”[/perfectpullquote]

he told Associated Press Senegal.

The Junior Lions occupy second-place in Group F on four points, one behind leaders, United States.

Featured photo: Cavin Diagne of Senegal is shown the red card against Ecuador at the U-20 World Cup in South Korea. (Getty Images)