I handled the ball but it was just instinctive. When I saw their striker about to shoot the only thing I could think of was how to prevent him from scoring. Unfortunately I did it in the wrong way. The referee had no other choice, but to send me off.

The last time I was sent off was about 3 1/2 years ago, a few days before Bobby Robson was named our manager. We were playing away against Manchester United. It a sense it is an achievement for a defender to stay clear from a red card for so long. Unfortunately the clock has now been reset. I just hope that it will take another 3 1/2 year before the next one and to be honest I would not mind if it is a bit late...

Actually, it is a bit ironic, but I am also suspended for the Champions League games against Juventus, as I have accumulated three yellow cards. I really can not see the time to return to the squad.

Nikos Dabizas