Nicolas Pepe apologises for red card against Leeds United

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has apologised on social media after he was sent off in the Gunners’ Premier League clash with Leeds United at the weekend.

The 25-year-old instantly saw red after he moved his head towards Ezgjan Alioski early into the second half and is now set to serve a three-game ban in the English top flight.

Despite being a man down and facing a Leeds onslaught for much of the game, Arsenal held on to take a point at Elland Road, and Pepe has since taken to Instagram to say sorry for his actions in the goalless stalemate.

“I have let my team down at a crucial time of the game and there is no excuses for my behaviour,” Pepe wrote. “I’m deeply sorry and would like to apologise to the fans, my team-mates, my coach and everyone else at the club.”

Pepe continues to divide opinion at Arsenal and has struggled for starts under Mikel Arteta in the Premier League, although the Ivory Coast international was chosen over Reiss Nelson for the Leeds game.

Given Arsenal’s mounting injury problems, Pepe could be given the chance to redeem himself on Thursday when the Gunners travel to Norway to take on Molde in the Europa League.