Portugal: Rafael Leão explains his outburst against Chile

Europe Today at 09:01

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

06.06.26 FT Friendly International

Portugal

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Chile

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Yesterday's friendly between Portugal and Chile (2-1) was marked by a tense episode, with a heated altercation near the end of the first half. Rafael Leão found himself at the center of this clash.

The young Portuguese forward struck his opponent in the face, an action that earned him a red card following the referee's intervention. As a result of this sending-off, Rafael Leão could miss Portugal's opening match against DR Congo.

After the match, the Portuguese winger took to social media to explain himself. "Regarding my red card, I simply wanted to protect my teammate, and never intended to injure the opponent!" he wrote.

He also thanked the Portuguese fans who packed the stands: "Thank you to all the Portuguese supporters who created an incredible atmosphere at Jamor, let's keep going together."

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