Ramos denies wrongdoing, backs appeal

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has backed the club’s decision to appeal against UEFA punishments for improper conduct.

Ramos and team-mate Xabi Alonso were both sent off in a Champions League match against Ajax last week, but UEFA ruled that Real manager Jose Mourinho instructed the players to deliberately incur second bookings.

The second yellow cards for both players meant that, while they would be suspended for their final group game, their previous cautions would be wiped out heading into the Champions League knock-out stages.

Mourinho was handed a two-match touchline ban, while the club was fined 120,000 euros. Individual fines were also handed to Mourinho, Ramos, Alonso and goalkeepers Iker Casillas and Jerzy Dudek.

But Ramos denied any wrongdoing and supported Real’s decision to appeal the punishments.

“Obviously I think the club is right on appealing the fine because obviously we did not do anything wrong or illegal so it seems right to me the appeal,” Ramos said.

“We did not look to be sent-off on purpose. Everyone can believe what they want.”

The punishments continue a bad week for Real after they were humiliated 5-0 against bitter rivals Barcelona on Monday.

But Ramos said the team could not afford to dwell on the loss.

“Our pride for wearing this shirt and this crest is hurt, especially because we know many Madridistas are still suffering from the defeat,” Ramos said. “We have to realise the importance of the crest we wear and live up to the greatness of this club.”

“We mustn’t lose track of the fact that we only dropped three points and that the league is very long. Things change all the time in football.”

Ramos was sent off for a badly-timed challenge on Lionel Messi during Monday’s game and the Spain international apologised for his behaviour.

“No player can say he has been injured by Sergio Ramos,” he said. “I didn’t think my actions through and I admit I made a mistake, but I never wanted to hurt Leo Messi or any other player.”

“I never step onto the pitch with that mentality. I wish to apologise to all those who got the wrong impression of me on Monday, especially children.”