Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe admitted he deserved his first career red card after he was dismissed during the French capital outfit's 3-2 win away at Rennes in the Coupe de la Ligue semifinals on Tuesday.
The France international was given a straight red card for a malicious tackle on Ismaila Sarr. Although he was frustrated in the moment, the 19-year-old agreed with referee Mikael Lesage's decision.
"Yes, I agree with the referee's decision," said Mbappe post-match. "Of course, it is a red card.
"What I did not agree with was what had gone on before but it is not a serious issue, this is all part of football.
"There is no need to talk about the referees, they do their job and ours is to play. I did not do my job today and I was dismissed. That is all."
Mbappe conceded that he regretted venting his frustration towards Sarr, but that he had been frustrated since his injury in Lyon.
"Yes, of course," Mbappe said when asked if he regretted his challenge. "It was nothing intentional towards [Sarr] -- it was nothing to do with him. I went to see him to apologise and it was fine.
"It was a couple of things, including the match and the fact that my injury went unpunished. It is true that it still sticks in the throat but that is football.
"It is not appropriate to speak about things like that. This does not concern me and it is none of my business."
Mbappe was otherwise pleased with the result and a first domestic cup final since his arrival at Parc des Princes from Monaco last summer.
"It was a tough match and we were up against a good team," said Mbappe. "We were not that good. I was not that good but we have still come out of it with a place in the final.
"Yes, it was a frustrating game and it was tough for both the team and myself. When things like this happen, you get more and more frustrated, less and less lucid and then you do things that deserve a red card."
Speaking with Canal+ at Roazhon Park, coach Unai Emery conceded that Mbappe deserved to be sent off. The manager also defended Neymar after a performance largely full of showboating and petulant behaviour, including pretending to help an opponent up off the pitch after picking up a late yellow card.
"Neymar plays like that and he is a great player, so he needs to enjoy himself on the pitch in order to bring what he can to the team," the Spaniard said. "He must also be protected and not just him, every player.
"Kylian was shown a red card for a foul on an opponent -- that illustrates my point that all players need protecting.
"We are happy because it is difficult to win here and we have managed to do so in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and now the Coupe de la Ligue -- the team deserves this."
Next up for PSG are Lille away in Ligue 1 this weekend before a trip to Ligue 2 side Sochaux in the Coupe de France next week.