Kylian Mbappe 'breaks silence' on Real Madrid red card as Arsenal await suspension update

Kylian Mbappe has apologised to Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco after the Real Madrid star's reckless challenge that led to him being sent off.

Los Blancos saw their talisman given his marching orders seven minutes before half-time after a dangerous challenge.

Referee Cesar Soto Grado showed a yellow card at first but after being recommended by VAR to look at the foul again, he changed his mind and Mbappe was sent off for the fourth time in his career.

Despite being at a man disadvantage for well over 30 minutes, with Alaves later reduced to ten men as well, Madrid were able to hang onto the lead given to them by Eduardo Camavinga just prior to Mbappe's dismissal.

Though the latter was the one to be sent off this past weekend, it is actually Camavinga that is suspended for the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal after he was shown two yellow cards in the 3-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium.

Aurelien Tchouameni, who was banned for the first leg, will likely be his replacement in midfield with Dani Ceballos also an option again after he missed out on a return to north London due to injury.

With the duo back available, Mbappe is also still expected to start as any suspension from La Liga will not carry over into the Champions League.

Despite his tackle being in the very dangerous category, the maximum amount of games he will miss is two, but it could be just this weekend's clash against Athletic Club that he is absent for.

According to Spanish outlet COPE, a one-match ban is a real possibility as Mbappe's attempt to win the ball was noted in the referee report from the game.

Judging by that, it is quite clear the general consensus is that it was not a malicious challenge by Mbappe and that belief has been furthered by what Blanco, the man who was fouled, said after the game.

"It was a strong tackle, but he apologized, which is the most important thing. These are plays that can happen, they are part of soccer and stay on the field," Blanco said on Carrusel Deportivo.

Mbappe is yet to publicly comment on the incident but it is quite clear he regrets his actions.

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