Fellaini apologises to Shawcross after headbutt

Dec 16, 2012 1:00:00 AM

After headbutting the England international in the 1-1 draw between Everton and the Potters, the Belgian midfielder has admitted his wrongdoing and said sorry to everyone involved

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has apologised unreservedly after his headbutt on Ryan Shawcross overshadowed proceedings in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

Almost an hour into the contest, in the customary penalty-box melee preceding a set-piece, the Belgium international clearly headbutted the Stoke centre-back.

The off-the-ball violation went unpunished though, as referee Mark Halsey missed the incident altogether.

After even his own manager condemned his actions, the Toffees' talisman has gone public with his apology, also pointing out why he did what he did.

"I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my team mates and to our fans at the game," he said in a statement on the club's official website.

"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."

However, the 25-year-old was also eager to dismiss the notion that this was any reasonably excuse, deeming his actions 'unprofessional'.

"Nevertheless I know I shouldn't have done what I did," he added.

"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."

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