GLASGOW (DA) — Jürgen Locadia took responsibility after being sent off against Scotland, saying he accepted the referee’s decision but did not feel he had made contact with his elbow on the play that led to the red card.
Locadia said Curaçao was leading 1-0 at the time and playing well when the incident happened.
“Getting sent off is never something I want, especially in an important match where the team was performing well and leading 1-0 at the time,” Locadia wrote on Instagram.
Locadia said he was initially told the yellow card was for standing on an opponent’s foot. After the incident was reviewed, he said, the referee determined that he had used his elbow, leading to the red card.
Locadia said he did not feel his elbow touched the player and that he told the referee at the time that he had stepped on the player’s foot.
It is not yet clear whether Locadia’s direct red card will have consequences for Curaçao’s upcoming matches. The Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) is waiting for the official match report and cannot yet provide clarity on a possible suspension.
Locadia said he respects the officials and their decision, but also pointed to his career record, saying he has played more than 370 professional matches and has not built a reputation as a foul or violent player.
The Curaçao international said the hardest part was the impact on his teammates.
“I am disappointed because I let my teammates down at a moment when we were playing good football and had the advantage in the game,” Locadia wrote. “That is what hurts me the most.”
Locadia said he will learn from the moment, continue supporting his teammates and focus on returning stronger.