Soccer News of Sunday, 19 August 2007

Source: kwadwo-ntim micky charles(mickycharles@yahoo.com)

I am sorry -Muntari

Sulley Muntari has issued an apology over his red card shame.

The midfielder has also pledged to mend his ways to ensure there is no repeat.

The Blackstars midfielder received his marching orders against Manchester United last week after picking up two yellow cards.

The dismissal means Muntari will serve a one-match ban.

He arrived at Portsmouth this summer with a bad-boy reputation following three sending offs for Udinese last season.

And after seeing red in only his second Premier League match, the 22-year-old has vowed to change.

Speaking to allghanasoccer.com he said, 'I was very, very bad but I'm not a dirty player. It's just that I really wanted to win. It's frustrating because I promised the manager I would stop picking up red and yellow cards.

'I am angry with myself because after only two games I am suspended and I hate having to sit in the stands.'

But first-team coach Joe Jordan thought Muntari's dismissal was an unfortunate one.

He added: 'I thought the red card was harsh. I had a good view of the incident and, as a second bookable offence; I thought it was hard on him.

'Mr. Bennett is consistent and does things to the letter of the law and that's the way he has seen it.'

Harry Redknapp will now sit down with his £6m recruit and find a way to improve on his disciplinary record.

And with Muntari impressing since his arrival, the Blues boss is desperate to keep him on the pitch for as many games as possible

Redknapp said: 'He did catch the boy for the first one and Sulley has to be careful or he's going to end up picking up too many bookings and too many red cards. He will have to watch out because it could be a problem.'