Ancelotti defends Gattuso

Carlo Ancelotti has defended the character of his former player Gennaro Gattuso after his headbutt on Joe Jordan.

The AC Milan midfielder is in hot water with Uefa after his spat with the Tottenham coach following the Italian side's 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Spurs on Tuesday night.

Former Milan boss Ancelotti, who managed Gattuso for eight years at the San Siro during which time the club won two European Cups, admits his fellow Italian has made a mistake but believes it was out of character.

The current Chelsea manager said: "I was obviously not happy because Gattuso is a very generous player, is a very good man.

"He made a mistake. I'm very disappointed with this.

"Also, he was very disappointed after the game. He said sorry and full stop.

No problems

"He's played 100 games in the Champions League and he never had problems.

"I have seen him always correct.

"He made a mistake, he said sorry and now Uefa obviously will take a decision.

"To judge Gattuso as a man because he made a mistake is not good.

"I can say it because I know him very well."

Uefa's control and disciplinary body will discuss the case against 33-year-old Gattuso on Monday, which could result in a lengthy ban.