“My goal was not to cause harm,” says Uruguay international
Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo has responded to criticism following his challenge on Phil Foden during the 1-1 friendly draw between England and Uruguay at Wembley.
The defender came under scrutiny after a late tackle on Foden early in the second half sparked strong reactions from the England bench. Manager Thomas Tuchel was enraged on the touchline, while others called for a red card.
Araujo has insisted there was no intent to injure the Manchester City midfielder and revealed he has already spoken to him.
“I spoke to him after the match, he told me he was fine,” said Araujo. “These things happen on the field. My goal was not to cause harm, I was aiming to get to the ball. Foden knows that. I am happy because there is no problem.”
Araujo also pointed to the referee’s and VAR’s decisions as evidence that the challenge was not deemed reckless enough for further punishment.
“If you freeze play, it looks like a very hard challenge, but my intention was to go for the ball,” said the Uruguay international. “Plus, the referee, VAR was there, so I think he judged I was going for the ball. But the important thing is I spoke with him Foden, he’s okay, and he told me it was no big deal, that it’s football.”
