Last month, Girona defender David Lopez called out referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias for “rude and insulting behaviour” during the Catalans’ 5-2 victory over Almeria at Montilivi.
However, the Techincal Committee of Referees (CTA) denied these accusations, and called on Lopez and Girona to rectify the statements. They did so a few days later, although that was not the end of the story.
Reports emerged that Lopez faced a possible La Liga suspension, and as such, he has now come out to apologise to Ortiz Arias and the CTA 18 days after making the accusations, as per Diario AS.
“Having analysed what happened, I have concluded that I was confused and did not understand a statement by the referee. I would like to express my total regret for the statements made about the referee Miguel Arias Ortiz Arias. It was a serious mix-up. I will apologise to him in person the next time we meet on the pitch. I am sorry how the situation unfolded.”
Girona will hope that this is enough to spare Lopez from a suspension, although the 34-year-old is currently out at the moment anyway with a muscle injury.
