Shaun Hutchinson has apologised for his horror tackle on Blackburn's Lee Williamson as Fulham slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.
The Fulham defender saw red for his X-rated challenge that saw the Rovers midfielder stretchered off before the break.
Williamson was given the all-clear after being checked over by doctors, but Hutchinson has held his hands up for the reckless lunge.
"It was a straight red, no doubt about it," admitted Fulham's caretaker boss Kit Symons afterwards.
"He was distraught in the changing room at half-time. The best thing is Williamson is OK. It was a poor tackle.
"It’s a typical centre-half who has come out to play and has made a bad touch and tries to make amends but compounds the situation. There’s no malice in Shaun Hutchinson at all but he’s very upset."
The Cottagers put in an improved performance but Jordan Rhodes grabbed the only goal of the game to earn Rovers the points.
Symons was encouraged by his side's display, despite the reverse.
He added: "I couldn’t ask any more of the players. I’m delighted with the performance over all.
"There are a lot of things to work on. I’m going to be a busy boy in training for sure. But the attitude and response in the two days I’ve taken over has been brilliant.
"If I keep doing that, we’ll work our way up the league very soon."
