Former Barcelona star Carles Puyol has taken to Twitter to apologise to Phil Neville following a horror tackle at Thursday night's Star Sixes.

The challenge came early on in England's 4-1 defeat to Spain and the former Manchester United left-back described it as "the worst tackle I've ever seen on a football field".

After a controlling a ball, Puyol rushed in with a stud and knee-high challenge brutally catching the ex-England defender.

Neville immediately fell to the ground clutching his right knee. The referee, however, claimed Puyol got the ball.

Carles Puyol pulls no punches with his tackle (
Image:
Sky Sports)
Phil Neville is floored by the challenge (
Image:
Sky Sports)

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Neville said: "It's the worst tackle I've ever seen on a football field.

"I hope UEFA, FIFA and the FA all have a look at this.

"The thing that upset me more than anything was the referee said he got the ball! Honestly, it was a horrendous tackle.

"I've just had a word with Paul [Scholes], hopefully he can sort him out."

Puyol took to Twitter to apologise
Neville forgives Puyol

Neville then shared a clip of the tackle on Twitter and said the 'Ref waved play on!!!'.

Puyol replied to his victim, saying: "Sorry man!! I hope your knee is fine. I didn't mean to do it."

"Hahahah OK my friend," replied Neville.