Kavanagh apologises for tackle

Graham Kavanagh apologised to Gilberto for the tackle which threatened to rule the Brazilian midfielder out of one of Arsenal’s most important weeks of the season.

Gilberto was carried off on a stretcher in the 14th minute of last night’s goalless draw between the Republic of Ireland and Brazil at Lansdowne Road - nine minutes after being scythed down by a wild sliding tackle from Cardiff midfielder Kavanagh.

Gilberto – who was caught at the same time by Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane - will be hoping to recover in time for Arsenal’s derby trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which is followed by a Champions League clash at Celta Vigo on Tuesday.

“I hit him and the ball at the same time and it wasn’t anything nasty or malicious,” said Kavanagh.

“It was one of those where if we’d both gone for it 50-50 then I don’t think he would have got hurt.

“However, he did and I apologise to him for that because I know what it is like to come off in an international, as it happened to me in Ireland’s last friendly against Canada in November.

“Kevin Kilbane said he caught him at the same time. Kevin thought he caught him on his knee and I caught him on his ankle, but I definitely won the ball. Even so, I apologise to him.”

Gilberto remained optimistic that the injury would be okay and said: “I got hit twice on the right ankle but I think it felt worse than it actually was. Once I got off the pitch it felt a little bit better and I’ve got to think I will be all right.”

Both managers also cleared Kavanagh of any blame for the incident.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said: “It is a twisted ankle and it is too early to say how serious it is, but I think he’ll be all right, we’ll have to see how the ankle reacts tomorrow.

“Ireland play a very strong game, they are very tough, and we expected that from them, but I don’t think it was intentional by their player.”

Irish coach Brian Kerr added: “Carlos Alberto Parreira said Brazil don’t do friendlies and we were just agreeing with him. It was never going to be a situation where we were all pals and would stand back while they did a few tricks and flicks and back-heels – we had to get in among them.”