Well, he certainly took his time about it, but Craig McPherson has belatedly got round to making a public apology for his headbutt from behind assault on Celtic FC Women’s head-coach Fran Alonso, as the Celtic boss shook hands with opposition staff and players following Caitlin Hayes 99th minute leveller in Monday night’s Glasgow Derby at Broadwood, with the shamed theRangers coach stating –
“I would like to offer a full and unreserved apology for my actions at end of Monday’s Old Firm match at Broadwood.
“I know I have severely let myself, our team and the club down. I hold myself to the highest of standards and have never done anything like this before in a long coaching career, and I know I fell way short of that with my actions.
“This club is also built on incredibly high standards, and I have already apologised to the board, the football staff, and our fantastic group of players who I care about dearly. I would also like to apologise to the Rangers fans as I am aware of what a privilege it is to represent this club in any capacity, and I am sorry that on this occasion I did not uphold the standards this club demands.
“I also understand how exciting a time it is for the women’s game in Scotland, which I have come to care passionately about, and I apologise for any negativity my actions have brought in our attempts to grow the game. Finally, I am also very grateful to Fran Alonso for accepting my apology in full following our lengthy conversation earlier in the week.
“I will also apologise to the Scottish FA at my hearing and will, of course, accept in full, whatever punishment they deem appropriate. I simply want to apologise today, convey my massive regret and explain how out of character this moment has been for me.”
Why it took five days for such an apology to be made is anyone’s guess but made it has been.
Although that is unlikely to be the end of the matter with McPherson now facing an SFA probe and with Police Scotland also this week launching an investigation.
Fran Alonso may well have graciously accepted McPherson’s apology but he will have no say on the SFA investigation or whether charges are likely to follow from Police Scotland.
It will be interesting to see if McPherson will take his place beside manager Malky Thomson for Sunday’s SWPL1 clash with Hibs, or if he will be seen as a distraction best avoided.
The Hoops are now eight points adrift of top of the table behind Glasgow City but Celtic can cut that to five ahead of City’s trip to play Hearts – no easy task – with Fran Alonso’s side kicking off at 12.10pm, whilst City don’t start their game until 3pm, with third strugglers theRangers facing Hibs on BBC Alba with a 4.10pm start.
Niall J
