Chairman Diamond FA, Apugo Regrets Actions Against Injured John Kelechi, Tenders Apology

Martins Apugo Regrets Actions Against Injured John Kelechi, Tenders Apology

By Niyi Busari

President, Diamond Football Academy, Martins Apugo has regretted his action against John Kelechi on Saturday, adding that he has learnt his lesson from the incident, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

Apugo in an exclusive interview with BSN Sports says he was trying to scold Kelechi who was a player in a game on Saturday for insulting the referee for awarding penalty after the goalkeeper brought down an opposing player inside the 18-yard box.

"What really happened on Saturday was that a goalkeeper made a dangerous tackle on the stomach of an opponent and the referee awarded a penalty. Kelechi approached the referee and started insulting him. I went and told him to stop the insults and respect the decision of the referee but he continus insulting the referee after i warned him.

"His action led to exchange of words between the two of us, in the process of scolding him, he sustained the injury on his face. I regret my action, apologise to him and Nigerians over my action." He told BSN Sports

He explained that Diamond Academy strictly followed the directive of the Nigeria Football Federation, hence, stopped training to maintain social distancing and curb the spread of covid-19 in the state.

"Diamond Academy have stopped training about seven weeks ago in accordance with the directives of the NFF and Abia state government who announced lockdown that period. We at Diamond Football Academy are law abiding who respect the directive of the NFF and Abia state government.

*The player, Kelechi John is not a player of Diamond Academy, he came to play with an All-star side who trains only on Saturdays and Sundays. He is a graduate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike."

He added that he has apologized to the player and have treated his injury.

His team, Diamond Football Academy produced Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze