Apologies For Getting On Joaquin Correa's Back, Luiz Felipe: I Have A Lot Of Respect For Inter, I Love You Tucu

Luiz Felipe and Joaquin Correa while still playing together at Lazio (Instagram @luizfeliperamos27)

JAKARTA - Lazio defender Luiz Felipe apologized for his actions against Inter Milan striker Joaquin Correa during the Serie A continuation last weekend. Felipe cracked a joke at the wrong time as his team beat the Nerazzurri 3-1.

At the final whistle, Felipe jumped on Correa's back to celebrate the win. These two players were close friends during Correa's Biancocelesti uniform.

However, Correa didn't seem to realize who had jumped on his back – or was misinterpreted by the Argentine. Correa was angry.

The referee saw this incident and immediately gave Felipe a red card. She cried as she tried to explain that she was only joking around her best friend.

Through social media, Felipe explained and apologized to all those who were offended by his behavior, especially to his best friend, Correa.

"I would like to comment on the negative impact related to what happened today (Saturday, red), at the end of the game. First of all, I want to clarify that I have great respect for Inter or any other club. We are all professionals, working to pursue our goals and we will never fail to respect other professionals."

"At the end of the game, I ended up jumping on Tucu's back because he was one of the great friends that football gave me. Our families are friends and we have always been very close. There, what I wanted most was to hug him and joked about the result, as far as our friendship allowed, but I was too excited."

"Perhaps, in retrospect, it was not the best time or the most suitable place. I apologize to anyone who was offended and I clarify that I did not try, in any way, to disrespect him, against other athletes, or against any International Institution and loyal fans."

"His (angry) reaction is not wrong, because Tucu is a very loving person!! I love you @tucucorrea."

If this red card is still enforced, Luiz Felipe will miss the next match. This is certainly a double loss for Lazio considering that Francesco Acerbi was also suspended for insulting the referee in that match.