Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has apologised after he skipped their Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal to attend an NBA game.
The France international, who is sidelined with a calf injury, was in the crowd for the Chicago Bulls' 126-108 win over the Detroit Pistons in Paris on Thursday.
His presence at the Accor Arena, while Madrid fought back from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at El Madrigal, came under scrutiny from supporters.
Tchouameni subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging he made a mistake by not staying in Spain to cheer on his team-mates.
“I apologise to my club, the coaching staff, my team-mates and the Madrid fans for my presence at an event at a time when we were [...] in the cup," he wrote on social media.
“I have been attentive at all times to what was happening in Villarreal, but I have not done the right thing. [I am] very sorry."
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti also said yesterday: “He apologised publicly – to his teammates and the fans. He's a young lad and may make mistakes. That's the end of the matter. We'll get him back soon, for next week."