The defender was sent off for his challenge on the Liverpool forward as Everton were on the end of a 4-0 hammering.
Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has apologised for the tackle that meant Liverpool’s Divock Origi was stretchered off the field during last night’s Merseyside derby at Anfield – which also saw the Argentine dismissed.
The incident took place after half-time with the scoreline standing at 2-0 to Liverpool, with Origi potentially suffering ankle ligament damage as a result of the challenge.
Funes Mori then appeared to pat the Everton crest as he was given his marching orders. He will now serve a three-game suspension, meaning he is unavailable for this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, with defensive resources already stretched with Phil Jagielka a doubt for the game, and John Stones was later withdrawn because of stomach cramps.
Everton went on to lose the game 4-0, mounting pressure on manager Roberto Martinez and leaving them in 11th place in the Premier League.
The defender posted on twitter: “I very much regret what happened yesterday. It was never my intention to harm a rival nor my colleagues leaving the field. And regarding Divock Origi, I fervently hope it was nothing serious and know that was never my intention to hurt. I ask my apologies for what happened.”
Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of their 21-year-old forward who scored his fifth goal in as many games in last night’s encounter, taking him on to 10 goals for the season – and has played a big role in their recent revival which has seen them reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
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