Popov issues official apology

West Brom's Goran Popov has made an official apology after he was sent off in Sunday's Premier League defeat against Tottenham for spitting.

Last Updated: 06/02/13 at 20:45 Post Comment   

Goran Popov: Apologised for his actions on Sunday

Goran Popov: Apologised for his actions on Sunday

The Macedonia international was sent off three minutes into the second half in the match at The Hawthorns for spitting towards Kyle Walker.

Popov apologised to fans via Twitter after the game, but has made a full apology.

The 28-year-old said in a statement released by the club: "I just want to say a big sorry to everyone, firstly to the gaffer because he was so angry after the game and, if I was in his place, I would be exactly the same, and to all the players.

"We played a good first half then at the start of the second half their player kicked the ball to the corner and I said something to him.

"We exchanged a couple of words but it wasn't something bad, just something that happens 10 to 15 times in a game.

"After that, when he started to run, he was maybe two or three yards away from me. I didn't have the intention to spit on him - but it looked like that.

"The referee was close to me and saw that. This is not good for me because over the last two or three nights I have not slept too good.

"Something like this has never happened in my life."

Popov also wants to put the record straight with Baggies fans, after becoming a popular figure at West Brom following his loan from Dynamo Kyiv last August.

His sending off was a pivotal moment in the 1-0 defeat, with Spurs springing to life in the second half after a drab first period.

"I've had a couple of good games, was man of the match and player of the month in December," Popov said.

"But I'm not happy with what I did on Sunday. When the referee sent me off it totally changed the game.

"The players were angry after the game, and some of them - the ones who have been a long time at this club - said to me they are disappointed in me.

"I want to say sorry to all my friends, team-mates, to all the physical staff and the coaching staff. Everyone can make mistakes, life is like this. Football is up and down.

"Tomorrow I want to have a meeting and I want to say sorry to everyone who works at this club.

"I don't want all the fans, players, trainers and staff to change their mind about me. I'm not that kind of player."

Popov also revealed he is trying to get in touch with England international Walker in a bid to say sorry in person following the incident.

Popov said: "I'm trying to get a phone number for Kyle Walker but he is now with his national team.

"When I get his number I will call him and just say 'I'm not a player like this, I didn't want to do this to him and a big sorry'.

"I wish good luck to Walker and England against Brazil."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Premier League: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley offers £1m incentive for victory over Arsenal

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out £1m between the club's non-football staff if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Emotional Beckham says goodbye

David Beckham was in tears as he left the pitch after playing what could be the final game of his career as Paris Saint-Germain beat Brest 3-1.

Clichy signs new City deal

Manchester City have confirmed that Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved