UCL: Son Apologises To Gomes After Goal Against Red Star Belgrade

Tottenham forward Heung-min Son appeared to use his goal celebration against Red Star Belgrade to apologise to Andre Gomes following the Everton midfielder’s horror injury.

Referee Martin Atkinson gave Son a red card for the tackle on Gomes during the 1-1 Premier League draw between the two sides on Sunday. The South Korea international then burst into tears when he realised the severity of the injury to Gomes.

However, the FA have since rescinded Son’s red card following a successful appeal by Tottenham for unfair dismissal, though the player needed support from his club on Monday.

Thankfully, Gomes underwent an operation on Monday which was have gone “extremely well”.

However, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino selected Son for Wednesday’s Champions League tie in Belgrade. He nearly scored an opener for Spurs in the first half and hit the bar in the build-up to Giovani Lo Celso’s strike, but the 27-year-old got off the mark after the break.

Tanguy Ndombele burst through midfield before finding Dele Alli on the edge of the area to slot in Son to lash home into the top corner after 57 minutes. Son then celebrated his goal by putting his hands together in prayer before bowing.

Speaking after the game, Son said he chose not to celebrate his two goals out of respect for Gomes, who faces a long road back to fitness.

He told BT Sport: “Of course it has been a really tough few days but I have realised how lucky I am with all the support I have had from the fans and my team-mates.

“I can say I’m really sorry for the accident and the situation but I had to focus for the team and I had to keep going and it was the right response to all the people who have supported me.

“I didn’t want to celebrate because I just want to respect the situation. Of course, I still feel really sorry about this situation. It’s been a few tough days.

“I wish Andre Gomes gets well soon and best wishes.”