Juventus midfielder Emre Can apologised for causing any offence after he said the red card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League game against Valencia on Wednesday was in error because "we're not women."

Ronaldo was sent off in the 29th minute of Juve's 2-0 away win after tangling with Jeison Murillo and putting his hand on the defender's head.

"That's meant to be a red card? Come on, we're not women," Can said after the game to German rightsholder DAZN. "I heard that it was for him pulling hair. We're not women. I think we're playing football here."

On Thursday afternoon, Can wrote on Twitter that he did not mean any offence with his comment.

I would like to take a moment to clear the air regarding comments I made after last nights game.

Please read the full statement below⤵️



Yours

Emre pic.twitter.com/SLvdF6qf33 — Emre Can (@emrecan_) September 20, 2018

"My response after seeing the video footage of Cristiano's sending off seemed to have caused some commotion," Can wrote. "I would like to state that the comments made were never focused on nor meant to degrade women, women's football or equality in any form. Everyone who knows me knows about my respect for women, equality and respect.

"My intention was to stick up for my teammate regarding a wrong decision which could have affected our game. I sincerely apologise if any of the comments I made have caused any harm."

Ronaldo, who had not been shown a red card in 153 previous Champions League appearances, faces a suspension of up to three games and could consequently miss Juve's trip to his former club Manchester United next month.