David López withdraws from the statements against Ortiz Arias

2023-11-08 19:28:18

David López backtracks and apologizes for the statements he made against Ortiz Arias in the middle of the match against Almeria (5-2), in which he accused the referee of having disrespected him and insulted him. The central of Girona he has attributed the injury, which caused him to miss the first tie of the Copa del Rey and the last match at El Sadar (2-4), to the controversial situation that has been created by his words.

This is the statement of regret of David Lopez:

“I made my debut on September 26, 2010 in a Espanyol-Osasuna. Then I was 20 years old and had a lot to live for. I have always been a team player: hardworking, honest, professional and, above all, a colleague. Serie A, La Liga and 2nd division.

i am proud of this trip. More than 200 matches in the first category of Spanish football. Of course, like everyone else, sometimes I make mistakes. One of them, on February 23, 2020, in a Valladolid-Espanyol match in which I received two yellow cards when only 25 minutes of the match had been played. I left my team down one player and we lost that game. My single expulsion in the highest category so far, and for which still i feel guilty.

Last October 22, in a Girona-Almeria match, I returned to make a mistake doing some unfortunate statements and out of place during break time. Since then, in addition, the controversy and the tension have triggered a situation of great personal stress which, probably, has been one of the triggers of the injury from which I am in the process of recovery.

I am aware that these statements not only dilute the good result of my team, but also cause a negative impact towards the Competition and the Refereeing Estate.

First of all, I want to thank the CTA for their offer to allow us to review the audios of the match. However, both the Club and I do not consider it necessary to review them personally. The CTA’s response was sufficient for us since we have always trusted the CTA’s honesty and integrity.

Therefore, I want to express my total regret for the statements made against the member Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias. I have no other explanation other than a serious confusion on my part about a manifestation of the member towards me that I understood in a different way. After one deep reflection of this whole situation, I want to apologize publicly a Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias and, also, to the entire arbitral state. They, the referees, are an essential part of this sport and they have my all respect and recognition.

I have always considered referees as just another athlete. In my more than 12-year career as a professional footballer, I have always had great respect for referees, coaches, opposing players.

Finally, I hope to be able to offer my apologies in person to Mr. Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias the next time we meet on the pitch.

After analyzing what happened, I conclude that I got confused and did not understand a statement from the referee.

Today, the Girona lives a dream. We are leaders, and fans and partners are proud. It’s a magical season and I want to live it to the fullest. And I also want everyone who loves this team to be proud of each of its members.

I regret how the situation developed. Without a doubt, the understanding and joint work between referees and players is the basis that makes this, soccer, the most beautiful and exciting sport in the world.”