Solari defends 'brave and honest' Sergio Ramos | OneFootball

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has leapt to the defence of Sergio Ramos and insisted his skipper did not intentionally elbow Viktoria Plzeň defender Milan Havel.

The two players were involved in a battle for the ball during Wednesday night’s Champions League clash though the Plzeň man came off worse as he received a bloodied nose following the challenge.

However, despite the obvious injury, Ramos has claimed the collision was accidental.

Solari backed up the assertion and said: “Ramos is a brave and honest man.

“All of us who play football know that it is a contact sport, with men fighting for a ball on the ground or in the air. There was no bad intention.

“No one’s nose is more fractured than Ramos. He knows in his own flesh what this sport is. There is no bad intention, always play fair and this is a contact sport.”

Solari has enjoyed a bright start as Real’s interim manager and takes his side to Celta Vigo on Sunday night. Currently sixth and seven points behind leaders Barcelona, Los Blancos are in desperate need of a win to close the gap on those above them.