Neal Maupay attacks Arsenal stars after Bernd Leno injury - 'They got what they deserved'
Posted Sunday, June 21, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Neal Maupay has hit out at Arsenal players for their reaction to Bernd Leno's injury (Image: BT SPORT)
Brighton striker Neal Maupay has hit out at Arsenal players following the injury to Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Brighton hero Neal Maupay says he had no intention to injure Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and has hit out at the Gunners players for their reaction. Maupay scored the winner for Brighton deep into second-half stoppage time in a vital 2-1 victory in their fight against relegation on Saturday. Arsenal players surrounded the Frenchman after the final whistle, with Matteo Guendouzi appearing to grab him around the neck.
Maupay had earlier been involved in a serious-looking knee injury suffered by Leno.
Maupay collided with Leno and the German stopper fell awkwardly on his right knee.
While being stretchered off, Leno pointed towards Maupay and appeared to angrily shout at the forward.
But the Brighton ace has insisted his innocence in an interview with BT Sport after the match.
Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi appeared to grab Neal Maupay around the neck after the match (Image: BT SPORT)
The 23-year-old also claims the Arsenal players showed a lack of humility, especially when they were leading 1-0 at the Amex.
"Not really [Leno's anger was not justified]," Maupay said.
"At half time I went to Mikel Arteta to apologise because I never meant to injure their keeper.
"I just jumped to get the ball maybe and when he landed he just tweaked his knee.
"I apologised to their team and to him as well. I've been through a bad injury so I know that it's hard but I never meant to hurt him but some of the Arsenal players need some humility sometimes.
"They were talking a lot first half, second half when they were 1-0 up and they got what they deserved.
"Until the keeper gets the ball you never know what could happen. So I just went to get the ball really.
"I think it was shoulder against shoulder and when he landed he twisted his knee.
"That is football, there is contact and I never meant to injure him.
"So I'm really sorry for him, I apologise again and I wish him a speedy recovery."
Nicolas Pepe had given Arsenal the lead in the second half with a superb left-footed curling strike.
However, Lewis Dunk brought Brighton level from close range before Maupay's late winner.
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