Ronald Araujo sends message to Barcelona fans after red card against PSG

Ronald Araujo has spoken after receiving a straight red card against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, with Barcelona subsequently knocked out of the competition.

PSG pulled off a huge comeback after losing 3-2 in the first leg of the quarter-final tie, winning 4-1 in Catalonia on Tuesday night to reverse the deficit and progress to the last four.

Barca were quick to open the scoring as Raphinha netted in the 12th minute, the club's 600th Champions League goal. However, the hosts were soon up against it when Araujo was shown a red card in the 29th minute for denying Bradley Barcola a goalscoring opportunity.

The 25-year-old was visibly annoyed with his sending off, protesting his innocence, while coach Xavi also saw red in the second half to suffer the same fate.

Araujo has now spoken after the disappointing exit, thanking his teammates and fans.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, he said: «The football that gave me so much joy, now hits me hard. I thank all those who are unconditionally by my side, my teammates who left everything on the field, and the fans who believed in this team until the end.

»I am very sorry not to give you this joy. We will try again. Forca Barca, forever! God in control."

With Araujo off the pitch, Barca's 4-2 aggregate lead evaporated, with PSG scoring four times without reply to win 4-1 on the night and 6-4 overall.

Xavi was furious afterwards, blaming referee Istvan Kovacs for their exit. But his side will be forced to quickly put the loss behind them, when they face La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Sunday night.

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