Brazil defender Roberto Carlos has attacking the referee during Saturday’s friendly international against Portugal.
The Real Madrid full-back was sent off in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat after appearing to barge into Israeli referee Alon Yefet.
There has been speculation that the player could receive a worldwide ban for hois behaviour, but the Brazilian has attempted to play down the incident.
“I didn’t see it as an act of aggression,” he said inan interview with Marca.
“Like a lot of players, I was saying to the referee that the free kick looked a bit harsh.
“It may have been that I was a bit heated but I never went to push him or to head-butt him.
“I’ve never attacked anyone, whether a rival player or a referee, in any game I’ve played. Those who know me know that I respect fair play. I’ve been around long enough to know what’s an act of aggression.”
“I’m calm and I’m confident this won’t be turnedinto a big drama.”
Last year Portugal midfielder Joao Pinto was given a four month ban from all matches after he punched Argentine referee Angel Sanchez in the stomach in a World Cup.
