St Johnstone’s Fran Sandaza has apologised to his team-mates and the club’s fans after being sent off for the first time in his career against Dundee United on Saturday.
The Spaniard saw red after kicking out at the Tangerines’ Sean Dillon, then was involved in heated exchanges with team-mates Jamie Adams and skipper Dave Mackay as he left the pitch.
Mackay made his feelings clear after the match, describing Sandaza as “a bit of a sulky character” and describing his red card as “stupidity”.
The striker is now facing a three-match ban which means Saints’ top scorer will miss out on the crunch games against Motherwell, Celtic and Hearts as Steve Lomas’ side try to secure a place in Europe next season.
The contrite Sandaza has now asked for forgiveness and hopes that his moment of madness will not overshadow what he has achieved with the club.
He said: ”It is the first time I have been sent off in my whole career. It was a bad weekend for me and I still can’t believe it. I phoned Jamie Adams to apologise for pushing him.
”In the heat of the moment I was crazy. My head was not right. But I should not have done that. I know he was trying to protect me.
”I am a humble guy but I feel I have done well for the club since I came here last summer. I have scored 18 goals but, because of this, some people now see me as a guilty man.
”Everyone in football has done stupid things in their career which they regret. Things happen when you are not thinking straight.
”After being sent off I was very angry but now I am calm and I apologise to my team-mates and the fans, especially for the way I reacted to Jamie and Dave Mackay.
”I am now out of three huge games against Motherwell, Celtic and Hearts and I think that is a joke. It is too much for what I did. The punishment is not right.
”These are games we have worked hard for all season. The club is trying to get into Europe and now I won’t be part of it. I am very disappointed and very upset.
”My season is nearly over. The only game I can play in now is against Rangers. I don’t know what will happen in the future. But I am hoping my team-mates and the fans will still look well on me.”