Pablo Maffeo has apologised for his angry reaction during a television interview at half-time of Valencia’s 3-0 defeat by Real Madrid in La Liga.
The Valencia defender published a statement on his official Instagram account after his comments were widely criticised. Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER reported that Maffeo wanted to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident and stress that his frustration was not directed at the journalist conducting the interview.
“I am writing this because I feel the need to explain what happened at half-time,” Maffeo said.
He explained that he had initially been told he would have to speak to the broadcaster but made clear that he did not want to do so because he was extremely angry and believed it was not the right moment to express his thoughts.
Maffeo added that he was eventually informed the interview was compulsory and that he would have to take part despite his reluctance. He said he apologised to the journalist immediately after the match and explained that his reaction was not personal.
“I have a great deal of respect for all professionals doing their jobs,” he said. “The journalist was not responsible for what happened. I am explaining the situation to make clear that I did not intend to offend anyone, and I apologise to anybody who took my reaction personally.”
Maffeo’s apology came after his interview with DAZN during the half-time interval, when he openly objected to having to speak while the match was in progress.
“I do not want to do this interview at all; it is silly,” he said. “If it has to be done, then it will be done and it will be over. There is no point, because we are playing a match.”
He also used the interview to criticise the officials, claiming Valencia had been affected by decisions he considered unfair.
“Fouls are being given when there were none,” Maffeo said. “Ask me whatever you want, but we need a fairer referee. There was no foul for the first goal, and that affects us.”
Real Madrid completed an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions with a convincing win at Mestalla. Valencia, meanwhile, continued to struggle at home and remained second from bottom of the La Liga table.
The match was played in the 12th round of the competition.
