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Jermaine Jones admits ref skirmish was his 'mistake'

Reuters

Colorado Rapids veteran Jermaine Jones still maintains that his six-match ban for making contact with match official Mark Geiger was excessive, but admits that the flashpoint was his "mistake."

The midfielder made his Rapids debut on April 16 after moving from the New England Revolution for allocation money and a MLS SuperDraft first-round pick in 2017, but was denied the opportunity to ply his trade elsewhere due to his off-putting worldwide suspension.

The incident occurred in a playoff match against DC United last October.

"It was my mistake that I go to the referee and touch him. It's not allowed," Jones said, his demeanour somewhat contrasting with his impassioned words against his former club and the league during the offseason.

Related: Jermaine Jones unleashes tirade on New England Revolution, MLS

"My situation was not good," he said.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Schalke 04 man made an instant impact at his new employer in his first outing, getting on the scoresheet as the Rapids topped the New York Red Bulls by a 2-1 scoreline.

Jones will find himself reunited with Tim Howard at the Rapids soon. The incumbent Everton shot-stopper has been a long-term international colleague of Jones for the United States, and is set to arrive in Commerce City in July.

"I'm happy for him. He got a good deal. He's a good teammate," Jones said.

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