Luis Enrique has leapt to the defence of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (24), who was sent off for a reckless kung-fu kick on Le Havre AC’s Josué Casimir (22) on Sunday.
The Italian goalkeeper made contact with Casimir after coming rushing out of his goal to clear a ball in behind. Donnarumma was therefore shown a straight red card for the dangerous tackle. The rash moment proceeded a scare just minutes earlier with Carlos Soler saving a Gautier Lloris effort off the line. Donnarumma was replaced by Arnau Tenas, who came on to make his debut for Les Parisiens.
Luis Enrique assumes responsibility for Donnarumma’s expulsion
Despite Donnarumma’s red card, PSG went on to win the match 2-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table after OGC Nice slipped up the night before. Donnarumma’s reckless tackle could, however, have cost PSG the points, but Luis Enrique took the blame for the incident and absolved his goalkeeper of responsibility.
“There is no problem with Gigio,” began Luis Enrique in a post-match press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe. “This incident shows more of a problem in the defensive line than the goalkeeper and it is me who asks that the goalkeeper cover the space, so if anyone is responsible, it’s me. Most of the time, it goes well. When it doesn’t go well, it’s my problem. Gigio did what asked of him.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
