‘There were emotions on the pitch’ – Arsenal legend apologises after horror KNEE-HIGH tackle in five-a-side match
ARSENAL legend Lukas Podolski has apologised after smashing an opponent with a horror knee-high tackle during a five-a-side game.
The shocking incident came as the German World Cup winner, 39, took part in a tournament in Poland.
Podolski was turning out for Gornik Zabrze in the eight-team Spodek Super Cup when his moment of madness occurred.
The former Arsenal striker, who retired from professional football in October, was clearly eager to win the ball back during a third-place play-off match.
But instead of producing a regular tackle, he dived off the floor before going in with both feet on his unwitting opponent.
Podolski, who now runs a £180million kebab empire from Cologne, caught the player high on the knee with his left boot – sending him to the ground in agony.
The opponent writhed around on the floor as other competitors looked on in shock.
But Podolski appeared to feel the man was play-acting.
And instead of helping him up, Podolski instead berated him before throwing a football in his direction.
The ex-Bayern Munich star was immediately booked for his sins before watching the rest of the game from the sidelines.
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Podolski’s side went on to win the match 4-1.
Yet he must have had a change of heart over the incident, with Podolski later apologising for his actions and blaming it on the heat of the moment.
He said on social media; “There were emotions on the pitch but after the match there is an agreement.
“Sorry for the hard foul. All the best in the season.”
Podolski joined Arsenal in 2012 after spells with Bayern and Cologne.
He scored 31 goals in 82 games while winning an FA Cup and Community Shield.
Podolski spent some time on loan with Inter Milan before joining Galatasaray in 2015.
He later played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, Turks Antalyaspor and Polish giants Gornik Zabrze.
Podolski also won 130 caps for Germany, resulting in 49 goals scored and the 2014 World Cup trophy.