Liverpool star Sadio Mane keen to apologise to Manchester City keeper Ederson after studs-up challenge: 'I would love to send a proper message'

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Sadio Mane has admitted his regret after leaving Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson needing stitches in his face during a recent Premier League game.

The Liverpool forward went in for a challenge with his opponent and was sent off for a high foot, accidentally planting his studs into the keeper's face.

When asked if he had spoken to Ederson to apologise, Mane told ESPN FC: 'No, but I posted something on Facebook.

Sadio Mane caught Ederson with a high boot as he challenged for the ball on September 9

Ederson needed stitches in his face and Mane received a three-game ban for the indiscretion

'We don't know each other, but I would love to have his number and send him a proper message. I think it is OK now, though.

'Honestly, after this incident, I was not OK. I was thinking about the red card, obviously, but we are human beings and we have to be nice to each other.'

Mane has since sat out a league game against Burnley and a Carabao Cup clash with Leicester, while he will also sit out a Premier League tie against the Foxes this weekend.

Mane walks from the pitch after receiving his red card - he is now two games into the ban

This gruesome image shows the extent of the injury suffered by Ederson during the incident

While Mane does regret the incident, he admits he only expected a yellow card when approached by the referee. 

'If I could do better to ignore [avoid] the collision, I would do my best to do so,' he conceded. 'But he also did the same. I can't do anything now.

'I would never do this [intentionally], it is part of football. I could not do anything else, I was going to make contact. I was thinking it was a yellow card.'