Football
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Gonzalo Higuain 'upset' after red card reaction, says Napoli boss Sarri

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has given his backing to Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentinian striker lost his temper following a red card at Udinese.

The former Real Madrid player, who has scored 30 Serie A goals this season, will miss at least one game of Napoli's tricky run-in after reacting badly to picking up a second yellow card towards the end of Sunday's 3-1 loss at Udinese.

Higuain put his hands on referee Massimiliano Irrati and had to be restrained by his teammates as he tried to confront Felipe, who was the recipient of the kick which earned him his marching orders.

He also shoved a member of Napoli's staff as he stormed down the Stadio Friuli tunnel, but Sarri, who had already been sent to the stands by Irrati, saw fit to defend the Italian top flight's leading scorer.

"Higuain told me he did nothing wrong to earn that second yellow. He is really upset because he is so committed to this team," the Azzurri head coach told Sky Sport Italia.

"In my opinion the game was not managed in an exemplary fashion."

On his own dismissal, Sarri added: "I just told Irrati he was refereeing really badly, it seems you're not even allowed to say that..."

After succumbing to a brace by Udinese's Bruno Fernandes and a further goal from Cyril Thereau, Napoli, who did manage to get on the scoresheet in Udine thanks to Higuain, are now six points behind leaders Juventus with only seven games of the season remaining.

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