Wigan Athletic defender Antolin Alcaraz has apologised to Richard Stearman after spit that was meant for the ground hit the Wolves man.
Paraguayan defender sorry after spit struck Stearman
Wigan Athletic defender Antolin Alcaraz has apologised to Richard Stearman after spit that was meant for the ground hit the Wolves man.
The Paraguay international's actions were caught by television cameras towards the end of the Latics' 3-1 defeat at Wolves on Sunday.
The 29-year-old admits he was frustrated at the end of the contest and that frustration got the better of him as he attempted to spit at the ground.
Alcaraz, who will now serve a three-match suspension, has also apologised to everyone at Wigan for the problems caused and he is 'hurting' at being unavailable for manager Roberto Martinez.
Apology
"I would like to apologise for my actions following the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday," read a statement on the club's
official website.
"I apologise to anyone connected to our football club for the offence and upset that my actions have caused. I reacted wrongly after being provoked but I never meant to spit on an opposing player.
"I was having a confrontation with Christophe Berra and in wanting to show my frustration, my intention was spit on the ground beside him, which was my way of answering the verbal abuse that I was receiving.
"Unfortunately, as you can see in the video evidence, my spit, instead of finding the ground, regrettably struck Richard Steadman in the chest, and I apologise to him for this.
"I apologise to my fellow players, staff, supporters and everyone associated with Wigan Athletic for the problems this has caused.
"I am hurting now because I know I cannot help my team-mates in the next three games, and for that I am very sorry.
"I will keep working hard to stay fit and be ready to help the team again as soon as the ban is over."
