St Albans City's John Frendo sorry for skipping FA Cup tie

While the FA Cup fourth qualifying round was wrapping up on Saturday, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo were facing off in La Liga

St Albans City striker John Frendo has apologised for missing his side's FA Cup tie on Saturday - in favour of attending El Clasico.

The 29-year-old was absent from the 1-0 defeat by Concord Rangers - losing out on a first-round tie at Mansfield.

The Herts Advertiser suggested Frendo was at the Bernabeu in Spain watching Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Barcelona.

"I would like to apologise to all connected with St Albans City Football Club," said Frendo.

"Especially our supporters, my team-mates and my managers Jimmy [Gray] and Graham [Goulds].

"I recognise that the FA Cup is important to a club at our level. I regret missing the match on Saturday - the extent of the reaction surprised me.

"The club has imposed a maximum fine upon me, which I have accepted, and I am now hoping to be able to make a positive contribution to our forthcoming league, Senior Cup and FA Trophy fixtures. I would like to add that I am enjoying my time at Clarence Park."

The Saints, who play in the Conference South, would have earned £12,000 in prize money and half of the ticket sales at Mansfield had they progressed.

Frendo, a former Cambridge City and Chesham striker, was the club's top scorer last season, finding the net 43 times in 54 appearances.