Etheridge rues 'bad' behavior

KATHMANDU – Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was so fired up that when he left the pitch after getting sent off for clipping a Turkmenistan player in Friday’s AFC Challenge Cup semifinal game, he did not immediately realize the consequences of his action.

It was only while alone in the changing room that the red card he got at the second minute of stoppage time in their numbing 1-2 loss to the Green Men really sank in. And he quickly felt regret and remorse.

“It’s obviously disappointing personally. My unprofessionalism at the end of the game was unlike me and it was very unprofessional of me so I’ll take full responsibility and I know I will miss the last game of the competition,” said Etheridge.

The Fil-British custodian lost his cool and kicked goal scorer Gahryman Chonkayev in the leg, the Green Men midfielder apparently getting under his skin.

The caution left the Azkals with only 10 men in the last two minutes and consequently, Etheridge will be suspended in the Azkals’ third-place match with Palestine on Monday. It will be the only game he’ll miss for Phl here.

“It’s a heat of the moment situation. I think I deserved what I received. At the same time, I’ve had a good competition, made some good saves, and it’s disappointing watching the game from the sidelines. But I’ll be giving the boys full support,” said Etheridge, who was sent off for only the second time in his career. 

Second choice keeper Eduard Sacapano is expected to man the goal in place of the Fulham keeper when the Azkals gun for third place as valedictory to their unexpected Last 4 showing in the tournament.