Gorka Pintado is still wondering what all the fuss was about after his red card at Derby County

Pintado saw red for a tackle on professional whinge machine Savage in the Swans victory at Pride Park - a tackle that saw Savage's pal claim Gorka should receive a 3/4 month ban whilst Savage himself called it a 'career ending tackle' totally ignoring the fact that he had no treatment at the time.

Now speaking out for the first time since the tackle Pintado told the Evening Post "I've paid the price for it as I have been out of the team and my team-mates had an opportunity to play in front of me

"What more can I do? Do I have to go to jail or something?

"I knew it was my fault but I didn't expect him (Savage) to keep on talking about it," says Pintado. "Before this happened I didn't know who he was. Now I see him everywhere, talking a lot about the tackle in the papers and on the television.

"I can't explain the tackle. I went to get the ball and I didn't mean to hurt him.

"On TV it looked worse than what it was. He was on the floor and there was a big reaction from the players after it, but he was not hurt.

"If he was injured because of it then maybe I understand what he is saying. But he was fine. He got up and was pushing people about, so he couldn't have been in pain.

"Straight after the tackle I apologised for it. I had my suspension and that should be the end of it. The FA gave me four games and I served them.

"But he has not stopped talking about it. If he thinks it should have been a longer suspension then that is up to him. I don't care what he says.

"I'm not a dirty player. I have not been sent off much in my career.

"There was earlier this season in the cup (against Scunthorpe) but before that maybe once or twice I was sent off for two yellow cards at Granada but that is it.

"It has been frustrating sitting in the stands watching the team," Pintado explains.

"I've had to see Shefki (Kuqi), Lee Trundle, Besian (Idrizaj) and Craig Beattie all get a chance to play in that time, so I have to impress the manager enough for him to give me another chance."

Photo: Action Images

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