Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew says he getting red carded in his return game to the French Ligue 1 is “tough to take”.
He said this in an interview after getting dismissed for a dangerous challenge on FC Nantes Eray Cormet in the second half of Le Havre’s goalless draw with Nantes.
Ayew signed a contract with Le Havre till the end of the 2023-2024 season a few days before Ghana’s 1-0 win over Madagascar in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
He was introduced into the game in the 65th minute but was shown a straight red card in the 67th minute after the challenge on Cormet.
Addressing the media on his dismissal in the game that marked his return to the French top flight after eight years, the veteran player said,
“I did not have any intention to hurt him no matter what especially on my debut and return to Ligue 1. It’s true that when he touches the ball, he had a lifted foot but mine was too and he got his foot under my heel.”
“That’s what happened and I did not mean to hurt him. An incident like this happening on my return to Ligue 1 is tough to take.”
Ayew starred in the Ligue 1 with Olympique Marseille before moving to play for West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Swansea City.
