Juventus' Emre Can has apologised for comments about Cristiano Ronaldo's sending off, saying there was no intention to "degrade women".
Ronaldo was dismissed during Juve's 2-0 Champions League win after appearing to pull defender Jeison Murillo's hair.
"We're not women, we're playing football," Can said after Wednesday's game at Valencia, leading to accusations of sexism and calls for a ban on social media.
But he later said: "Everyone who knows me knows about my respect for women."
In a statement posted on social media today, the Germany midfielder said he "wanted to clear the air" after his comments had "caused some commotion", reports the BBC.