Calcutta: Jose Ramirez Barreto on Monday admitted that he should show more restraint on the field following the recent controversies.

“Spitting or slapping a player is not in my system… I’m a god-fearing man and the Bible doesn’t teach me to do such things. But yes, I was involved in some pushing and shoving with the players… I know I should have restrained myself on the field. That was a mistake and I’m feeling guilty about it,” Mohun Bagan’s Brazilian ball-charmer said.

Barreto has been accused of spitting at East Bengal’s Madhab Das and slapping Nirapada Mondal of Mohammedan Sporting. “People look on me as an ambassador of the game. I’m sorry if I have failed to live up to that expectation,” he added.

The Brazilian was all praise for his teammate and India captain Bhaichung Bhutia. “He’s in excellent form and I’m looking forward to an association with him in the Federation Cup. Because of Bhaichung’s performance, I’m backing India in the Nehru Cup final,” Barreto said.