Football
ESPN staff 8y

Valencia manager Gary Neville: I didn't insult ref after red card

Valencia manager Gary Neville has insisted he didn't insult match official Daniele Orsato after being sent off in his side's Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

Neville was shown a red card for protesting what he believed to be a handball in the build up to Athletic's quarterfinal-clinching goal at the Mestalla.

Despite the 2-1 second-leg win, Valencia bowed out of the tournament on away goals after falling 1-0 at San Mames. 

"I have not insulted the referee," Neville said after the match. "I don't like to blame the defeat on the referee.

"I think we could have won by four or five. I have seen a very good game. We have been eliminated from the Europa League and it is a bad night.

"It was the team's highest level since I was here. I think the fans can leave Mestalla proud. There may be disappointment, but tonight the intensity has been maximum. It must be repeated and that is all I ask."

Neville slammed his side's effort in Sunday's derby loss to Levante, and apologised to fans for Valencia's poor display.

The performance on Thursday was much improved. And the former Manchester United right-back called for more of the same in the club's upcoming matches.

Neville said: "We've seen the two sides of Valencia in the last four days. Sunday's game and tonight, the differences are evident. It needs to be shown in the next matches.

"They players now have nine games ahead. When you wear this shirt, you have the responsibility to fight every day.

"The fans were right to criticise us on Sunday, but today they will be proud."

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