Gladbach striker Thuram apologises after red card for spitting

Marcus Thuram has issued an apology after he was sent off for “accidentally” spitting in Stefan Posch’s face during Borussia Monchengladbach’s Bundesliga defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Thuram was given his marching orders by referee Frank Willenborg 11 minutes from time at Borussia-Park following an off-the-ball incident that was spotted by the VAR.

The France international spat at Posch as they squared up when the two sides were level at 1-1 and Ryan Sessegnon made matters worse for Gladbach by securing a 2-1 victory.

Striker Thuram expressed his remorse for his behaviour and said he would accept whatever punishment comes his way, but claimed he did not spit at Posch on purpose.

He posted on Twitter and Instagram: “Today something took place that is not in my character and must never happen.

“I reacted to an opponent in a wrong way and something occured [sic] accidently and not intentionally.

“I apologise to everyone, to Stefan Posch, to my opponents, to my team-mates, to my family and all those who saw my reaction. Of course, I accept all of the consequences of my gesture.”

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— T I K U S (@MarcusThuram) December 19, 2020

Foals boss Marco Rose said there was no excuse for Thuram’s actions following his side’s first home defeat of the season in the Bundesliga, which leaves them in eighth place.

“On behalf of the club and personally as head coach, I would like to apologise for the red-card incident involving Marcus Thuram,” said Rose.

“It is completely out of line and has no place on the football pitch.

“Marcus is a good person, is self-respecting and has been well raised. He must have blown a fuse in that moment – it’s the only explanation for his behaviour. I apologise for that. He has done his team a disservice.”

Thuram enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists from 30 opportunities created.

However, the 23-year-old has only netted twice in the Bundesliga this term, converting only 25 per cent of the big chances – as per Opta data – that he has been presented with across 13 games.