"You can say anything you want, that is a human right, and I respect that. However, when questioned in the interview about your own goalkeeper shouting for help, a response was given that the goalkeeper was not being watched. "Surely, given our bench, and the Birmingham city keeper himself was shouting for help, somebody must have noticed. If not, I apologise. "I was trying to protect my player, as is always my number one priority. "After Tavernier got a head injury, players of both teams called with urgency for the team doctor and for first aid. The game was still in play, and our team doctor and physiotherapist were running into the field to give the necessary assistance, as is common practice with a head injury. "The referee blew his whistle before the goal was scored - therefore the opposition team scored a disallowed goal. Mr Clotet went over the throw-in line to celebrate the winning goal, when Tavernier is still getting first aid assistance. "Then is when I reacted, coming to telling Birmingham manager; "Respect, stop the celebration, look how bad is him on the field. What are these 13 ex-Middlesbrough players doing now? Find out here!   "I want to make this very clear; in 14 years as a staff member in my career, this my first red card. "My good discipline teaches me how to behave with challenging situations when I think I am not met with the same respect. Even if I was spat at, there’s no reaction. "I didn't throw any punches as was said. "Also I'm not the goalkeeping coach of Middlesbrough, I’m assistant coach, and as coaches, we have to be aware of what is happening on the entire field, and not only where the ball is. Player safety of both teams is always of utmost importance. "I will be making no further comment on this matter, and I welcome Birmingham staff at any time and wish them well for the remainder of the season. "I hope you understand why I needed to put my side of the story. "Because at the end of the day, life will always come before football passion." The verdict It's likely that Middlesbrough and Birmingham City will never agree on what happened at the Riverside Stadium. The Blues will naturally feel aggrieved for having a potentially match-winning goal ruled out as a result of the home sides' medical staff storming onto the pitch. However common sense should prevail and with Marcus Tavernier appearing to be knocked unconscious, the focus should have been on tending to him as soon as possible. Pep Clotet won't agree but credit to Leo Percovich for speaking out on the matter and explaining his stance.