MLS
Watch: LAFC’s Chiellini apologises to Galaxy’s Puig over “clown” jibe
Ahead of Tuesday’s Los Angeles derby, LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini said sorry to LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig for a comment he made the last time the teams met.
Los Angeles FC’s Giorgio Chiellini has publicly apologised to Riqui Puig for branding the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder a “clown” after the teams’ US Open Cup clash six weeks ago.
Puig scored the Galaxy’s second in a 2-0 win at BMO Stadium in late May, and reacted to the goal by holding up his shirt in front of the LAFC fans - a celebration that angered Chiellini.
As Puig spoke to the media in the mixed zone after the game, former Italy defender Chiellini could be heard calling the Spaniard a “payaso” - “clown” in Spanish.
Puig “disrespectful” but I shouldn’t have called him a clown - Chiellini
“I didn’t have to say this word close to the media,” the 38-year-old told reporters this week, ahead of LAFC’s MLS clash with the Galaxy on Tuesday. “I talked to him right after that in the car park.”
Chiellini stressed that he found Puig’s celebration “very disrespectful”, but added: “I love him as a player.”
LA teams at opposite ends of the Western Conference table
In an MLS Western Conference clash that was originally due to take place in February, LA Galaxy and LAFC face off at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Kick-off is at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT.
LAFC sit second in the West, three points off leaders St Louis City, while the Galaxy are languishing in 13th place, just two points ahead of bottom side Colorado Rapids.