Fernando Amorebieta took the blame for Venezuela’s defeat by Peru that blew Copa America’s Group C wide open last night – after being sent off for stamping on an opponent.
The Fulham defender, who had an outstanding game as the Venezuelans shocked Colombia in their opening fixture, was dismissed after half an hour having stamped on Paulo Guerrero’s knee. The ten men of Venezuela couldn’t hold out for a draw as former Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro scored the winner with eighteen minutes to play.
Amorebieta accepted his red card was the decisive factor after the final whistle:
I did not intend to stand on him but will not criticise the referee because he decides. I can only take the blame because the red card changed the game.
