A Fife junior footballer has apologised after becoming involved in a brawl with his own supporters.
Oakley United goalkeeper Ross Wortley, 42, hit the headlines after reacting to abusive fans during a match on Saturday.
Ross was sent off after being spotted fighting with four home fans who he said baited him throughout the game.
The incident took place during a East of Scotland Cup second round tie against Tranent Juniors at Oakley’s Blairwood Park.
Ross, from Dunfermline, has now apologised for his conduct and has said he hopes the angry scenes do not bring the curtain down on his 14-year junior football career.
He said: “For those who witnessed what happened I can only apologise, like I have apologised to my manager, my coaches, my fellow players and the committee.
“But no footballer or sportsperson should have to go through the sheer abuse that was getting thrown at me, no matter what level they are at.
Oakley United goalkeeper faces ban after red card for fighting with own fans
“The abuse has been going on for three weeks but on Saturday it was vile — it was disgusting to be honest.
“For the whole of the first half I was getting this, so at half-time I approached the so-called supporters, which I accept was the wrong thing to do.
“As soon as I got face-to-face, I started getting hit from three fans. There certainly weren’t any kung fu kicks on my part — I don’t think I could get my legs up that high.
“I had to defend myself like anyone else would. My young daughter usually comes to see me play but decided not to that day, thankfully.”
Ross now hopes the experience does not end his career prematurely.
He said: “I didn’t see it coming to an end like this and I’d be devastated if I can’t play the game I love because of this.
“It’s unfortunate there is a small section of supporters that act the way they do. Most fans are great.”
Oakley eventually lost the match 5-1.
The Scottish Junior FA are in investigating the incident.
