BY JOSEPH EKWE – 20 JUNE 2020

Brighton match-winner Neal Maupay has apologised for his part in Bernd Leno’s injury but says Arsenal players need to “learn humility”.

The Frenchman scored deep into injury-time to complete a remarkable comeback and seal a 2-1 win for relegation-threatened Brighton – their first victory of 2020.

READ ALSO: Maupay Grabs Last-Gasp Winner Against Arsenal After Leno Was stretchered off

However, he had earlier fouled Leno during an aerial challenge, with the German ‘keeper stretchered off after 36 minutes with what looked to be a bad knee injury.

On his way off the pitch, Leno pointed his finger at Maupay and aimed some choice words at the Brighton forward. And the bad feeling towards Maupay resurfaced late on in the match after he struck Brighton’s second in the 95th minute.

READ ALSO: See What Jose Mourinho Said About Paul Pogba After Tottenham Clash

Maupay went down softly when Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi nudged him as he ran past following the restart, and there were then clashes after the final whistle, with Guendouzi appearing to grab Maupay by the throat.

Speaking after the match, Maupay said he didn’t intend to hurt Leno but was critical of Arsenal players for “talking a lot” when they were leading through Nicolas Pepe’s opener.

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“At half-time I went to Mikel Arteta, their manager, to apologise because I never meant to injure their keeper,” Maupay told BT Sport.

“I just jumped to get the ball maybe and when he landed he just twisted his knee, so I apologise to their team and to him as well.

“I’ve been through a bad injury so I know it’s hard but I never meant to hurt him.

“But some of the Arsenal players need to learn humility maybe sometimes. They’ve been talking a lot first half, second half when they were 1-0 up – they got what they deserved.”

Maupay also wished Leno a quick recovery.

“Until the keeper gets the ball you never know what could happen,” he said.

“I just went to get the ball really. I think it was shoulder against shoulder and when he landed he twists his knee, you know it’s football, there’s contact.

“I never meant to injure him so I’m really sorry. I apologise again and wish him a speedy recovery.”

Maupay also re-iterated his apology to Leno in a tweet later on Saturday evening

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