Tearful Marcelo Sent Off After Luciano Sanchez Suffers Horrific Injury In Copa Libertadores

Marcelo was shown a red card after Luciano Sanchez suffered a horrific injury during a Copa Libertadores game between Argentinos Juniors and Fluminense.

Former Real Madrid full-back Marcelo left the field in tears on Tuesday night after being sent off.

But Marcelo, who now plays for Brazilian side Fluminense, was not crying because of the red card. He was visibly upset by the injury he had accidentally inflicted on Argentinos Juniors right-back Luciano Sanchez.

The incident occurred during the second half of Fluminense's 1-1 draw away at Argentinos in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last 16 clash.

Marcelo dribbled past a stretching Sanchez before standing on his shin, causing the Argentinos player's left knee to dislocate.

WARNING: Graphic Content Below

Real Madrid legend Marcelo weeps profusely after causing potential career-ending inj¥ry for Luciano Sánchez during a recent football match.pic.twitter.com/E0v4qNH2sY

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) August 2, 2023

The referee did not initially show Marcelo a red card but the 35-year-old was eventually dismissed following a VAR review.

"Today I have had to live through a very difficult moment on the pitch," Marcelo tweeted after the game.

"I have inadvertently injured a colleague. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sanchez. All the strength in the world!"

Hoy me ha tocado vivir un momento muy difícil dentro del campo. Sin querer he lesionado a un compañero de profesión. Quiero desearte la mejor recuperación posible, Luciano Sánchez. Toda la fuerza del mundo! 💜🙏🏾#M12 pic.twitter.com/vaG04hvioW

— Marcelotwelve (@MarceloM12) August 2, 2023

Marcelo's club added in a statement: "Fluminense FC expresses its solidarity and wishes a speedy recovery to Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez, who was injured in an accidental move in tonight's match."

Argentinos thanked Marcelo and Fluminense for their messages of concern, writing: "We are rivals, not enemies."

Sanchez is expected to be sidelined for between eight to 12 months.

Fluminense will host Argentinos in the second leg on August 8.

Marcelo pictured (right) being spoken to by referee Piero Maza moments before receiving a red card during Fluminense's 1-1 draw with Argentinos Juniors / Paramount+