Marouane Fellaini apologises for headbutting Ryan Shawcross
- Published
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has apologised for headbutting Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
The pair clashed in the second half of the sides' 1-1 draw but referee Mark Halsey missed the incident.
"I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my team-mates and to our fans at the game. I lost my temper and it was unprofessional," said Fellaini., external
Everton manager David Moyes added: "It was a terrible thing to do and I expect him [Fellaini] to be punished."
Belgium international Fellaini continued: "There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn't feel I was getting any protection from the officials.
"Nevertheless I know I shouldn't have done what I did. I have also apologised to the manager and the staff - I have no excuses.
"I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis refused to publicly criticise Fellaini but was unhappy at another decision going against his side.
"I'll let David [Moyes] deal with Fellaini but the one thing I will say is we have now had three incidents this season," said Pulis.
"David Luiz for Chelsea made a poor challenge [on Jon Walters] and Ciaran Clark at Aston Villa made a poor challenge [on Glenn Whelan].
"That, along with this, are three incidents where we haven't had a decision go for us and that's disappointing.
"In my opinion all three of these incidents should have been sending-offs.
"I like Mark [Halsey], he is a good referee but maybe he has not seen it."
- Published15 December 2012
- Published8 December 2012
- Published22 September 2012