|
|
Deportivo Coruna defender Jorge Andrade is hoping he may be able to play the return of his side's Champions League semi-final against Porto despite his dismissal in Wednesday's first leg.
The Portuguese international was sent off three minutes from time of the 0-0 draw at the Dragao stadium for aiming a kick at Porto striker Deco Souza after he had brought him down in the middle of the pitch.
Andrade said that
referee Markus Merk had misinterpreted what had been nothing more than a joke
with an old friend.
"I am still hoping to play at the Riazor," said the former Porto player.
"I'm really upset about the whole incident because it was nothing more
than a joke.
"The referee saw it as an aggression, but he didn't understand what had happened and for him all that counted were the rules. He didn't see I was laughing when I kicked him."
Deportivo have already said they will appeal to UEFA against the decision in the hope that Andrade will be permitted to play in the second leg on May 4.
Deco was quoted by Spanish sports daily Marca as saying that he knew there had been no ill-will in the incident.
"I don't know whether or not Andrade was acting seriously, but he is my friend and I never saw the kick as aggressive," he said.
Deportivo were dealt another blow in the tense yet disjointed match when experienced midfielder Mauro Silva picked up a booking in the first half, which means he will be suspended for the return match.
Despite the loss of two of their more influential players, playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron believes Deportivo are still in with a very good chance of making their first European final.
"Everything is still very much up in the air," he told Radio Marca after the match. "If we want to be in the final we have to show we are a better side than them when we play at home.
"It was a
tough game with a real battle in midfield, but we are going in to the second
leg with a clean sheet and that is a very important achievement."