Valencias Pablo Maffeo apologises for angry half-time interview with Real Madrid

Valencia defender Pablo Maffeo has apologised for his conduct during a television interview at half-time of his side’s 3-0 defeat by Real Madrid in La Liga.

Maffeo issued a statement on his Instagram story after his comments prompted widespread criticism. He said his frustration was not directed at the journalist who interviewed him and stressed that he respected people working in the media.

“I am writing this because I feel the need to explain what happened at half-time,” Maffeo said.

The Spain full-back explained that he had been told he needed to take part in the interview, although he had made clear from the outset that he did not want to do so. He said he knew he was extremely angry and felt it was not the right moment to express his thoughts.

Maffeo added that he was eventually informed the interview was compulsory and that he had to appear despite his reluctance. He said he apologised to the journalist immediately after the match and clarified that his reaction was not personal.

“I respect all professionals who are doing their jobs,” Maffeo said, adding that the journalist was not responsible for what had happened.

He said the purpose of his statement was to explain the circumstances, make clear that he had not intended to offend anyone and apologise to those who had taken his reaction personally.

Maffeo made the comments during a DAZN interview at the interval. Asked to speak while Valencia were trailing, he said: “I do not want to do this interview at all. It is ridiculous. If it has to be done, then it will be done and that is it. There is no point because we are playing a match.”

He also used the interview to criticise the officiating, claiming Valencia had been affected by decisions he considered unfair.

“Fouls are being given when there was no foul,” he said. “Ask me whatever you want, but we need a fairer referee. There was no foul in the build-up to the first goal, and that affects us.”

Real Madrid completed a 3-0 victory at Mestalla, recording an eighth consecutive win in all competitions.

The result extended Valencia’s poor home form and left them second from bottom in the La Liga table.