Maribor captain Ažbe Jug apologizes after red card incident

Maribor captain and goalkeeper Ažbe Jug has issued a public apology following his dismissal during a match against Koper. The incident occurred when Jug struck Koper player Isaac Matondo in the head with his elbow, resulting in a red card and contributing to Maribor's 0-4 defeat.

Jug described the contact as an “automatic movement” and a “reflexive response,” maintaining that he did not intend to cause injury to his opponent. The loss marks Maribor's first league defeat in over 19 years.

Maribor's coach, Darko Milanič, criticized the captain's actions, labeling the move as “senseless.” The incident comes at a critical time for the club as they prepare for an upcoming derby.