Apologetic Barcelona defender Gerard Pique denies insult

Pique, 28, was sent off early in the second half of the 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Monday as Barca went down 5-1 on aggregate.

The Spaniard was accused of telling the assistant: "I s*** on your whore mother," as he was red-carded to end Barca's slim chances of a remarkable comeback.

With Barca having appealed the red card, Pique denied saying anything to the linesman.

"I want to ask for forgiveness because the attitude with which I protested to the linesman was not correct," he tweeted.

"It was a match of high tension that was very important. However, not at any time did I use any type of insult to this person."

Pique could face a suspension of between four and 12 games, with the decision expected on Wednesday.