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, 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.