Portugal's national soccer team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari publicly apologized on Thursday concerning the night's Portugal-Serbia game incident in which he punched Serbian player Dragutinovic.
"I apologize to my players, to the Federation for placing its name in a difficult situation, to the UEFA, to Portugal and to the Portuguese people," Scolari said.
Brazilian native Scolari added that "I went out to defend my player (Quaresma), since he was pressed by two athletes, causing a lot of confusion."
In that certain moment, Scolari punched Dragutinovic because he "insulted my family using the Spanish language" and I understood him perfectly and could not help reacting violently.
"I acted wrongly, but even rational people that think they are never going to make mistakes, make mistakes," Scoalri told reporters.
Scolari apologized once again to the players, as well to Portugal. "I feel at home here, as a Portuguese," he added.
"I am ready to face the consequences of this reflect act," Scolari said respect Portugal's soccer Federation.
Portugal and Serbia were playing on Thursday a European Cup-2008 classification game.
Portugal scored a goal on the 9th minute of play with Siamo's goal in a stationary-ball play and the score went on 1-0 until four minutes prior to the ending when Serbia tied the game in a doubtful goal since Ivanovic scored the goal but was not marked out of play.
Portuguese players began to get nervous and the fact that the referee ended the game earlier than expected triggered explosive player behaviour in the soccer field.
Source: Xinhua
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