'It could have broken my ankle': Brazil striker Richarlison admits he was fortunate to escape unhurt after Edinson Cavani's horrific challenge during Uruguay clash, but insists Man United forward did not mean any harm
- Edinson Cavani was shown a straight red card in Uruguay's 2-0 defeat vs Brazil
- Cavani was initially given a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Richarlison
- But after a VAR review, referee upgraded the yellow to a red for Man United star
- Everton forward Richarlison had some sympathy for Cavani after final whistle
- Report: Arthur Melo and Richarlison on scoresheet during World Cup qualifier
Richarlison admitted he has some sympathy for Uruguay's Edinson Cavani after he was sent off for a nasty ankle challenge on the Brazil star on Tuesday.
Manchester United forward Cavani was sent off in the 71st minute for the tackle as Brazil ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in the World Cup qualifier in Montevideo.
Cavani was initially shown a yellow card after going in late on the Everton frontman, catching Richarlison's ankle with his studs.
![Edinson Cavani was furious with the red card and he has now been banned for two games](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/11/18/09/35810830-8961169-image-a-18_1605692330855.jpg)
Edinson Cavani complains to the referee after being sent off during Uruguay's 2-0 loss to Brazil
![Cavani was initially shown a yellow card after catching Richarlison with his studs](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/11/18/09/35811744-8961169-image-a-20_1605692690210.jpg)
Cavani was initially shown a yellow card after catching Richarlison with his studs on Tuesday
![It was then upgraded to a red card when the referee checked the pitchside monitor](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/11/18/09/35811758-8961169-image-a-26_1605692741216.jpg)
Richarlison rolls around on the floor after Cavani's mistimed tackle during World Cup qualifier
But after a lengthy VAR review, which resulted in the referee going to his pitchside monitor, an astonished Cavani was then shown a straight red for the challenge.
But after the final whistle, Richarlison - despite admitting Cavani's tackle could have 'broken' his ankle - claimed the United new boy didn't mean any harm.
'It was a ball dispute and of course he went over the top,' the Everton star told CBF TV after the game.
'If my foot was planted there on the floor, maybe it could even have broken my ankle.
'But I don't think he meant it. I think he went there to get the ball but missed and took my foot. It's a normal game situation.'
![The referee checks his pitchside monitor before upgrading Cavani's yellow to a red card](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/11/18/09/35811624-8961169-image-a-19_1605692361732.jpg)
The referee checks his pitchside monitor before upgrading Cavani's yellow to a red card
![Richarlison netted for Brazil on the stroke of half-time as they overcame Uruguay 2-0](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/11/18/10/35811784-8961169-Richarlison_netted_for_Brazil_on_the_stroke_of_half_time_as_they-a-25_1605697080193.jpg)
Richarlison netted for Brazil on the stroke of half-time as they overcame Uruguay 2-0
Earlier in the game, Richarlison had put Brazil 2-0 ahead following a brilliant corner routine on the stroke of half-time, adding to Arthur Melo's opener.
The 2-0 victory has maintained Brazil's perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Cavani tackle comes exactly a month after Richarlison's own horror challenge on Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara during the Merseyside derby, which ended 2-2.
Richarlison had been handed a straight red late on in the thrilling Merseyside derby following a bad tackle on the Liverpool midfielder.
The Everton forward entered the knee-high challenge on Thiago with his studs showing.
![The Cavani challenge happened exactly a month after Richarlison's horror tackle on Thiago](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/11/18/09/35811760-8961169-image-a-28_1605692819527.jpg)
The Cavani challenge came exactly a month after Richarlison's horror tackle on Thiago
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