Arsenal's Giroud blames Verratti for sending off in PSG draw

The France striker will miss the Gunner's next Group A game at home to FC Basel on Sept. 28


Reuters September 14, 2016
Arsenal's Olivier Giroud is shown a red card by referee Viktor Kassai. PHOTO: REUTERS

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has blamed Paris St Germain midfielder Marco Verratti for tricking the referee after they were both sent off in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw.

Giroud, who was a second-half substitute, and Verratti were each shown a second yellow card by Hungarian official Viktor Kassai following an off-the-ball incident in stoppage time.

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The Frenchman also said PSG defender Marquinhos pushed him during the incident at the Parc des Princes. "I'd already been booked so didn't want to make trouble. I made a small challenge on Verratti but he threw himself on to the ground," Giroud said. "I didn't understand, so I asked him: 'What are you doing? Then he got up quickly and Marquinhos pushed me from behind. I don't know how Verratti fell over a second time." "I didn't go looking for trouble so it's frustrating. I think that the referee was tricked. Verratti was also on a yellow, so I was surprised by his behaviour," Giroud added.

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The France striker will miss Arsenal's next Group A game at home to FC Basel on Sept. 28, while Verratti will be sidelined for PSG's match away to Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.

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