Diouf apologises again

Liverpool’s El-Hadji Diouf has apologised publicly for the spitting incident which earned him a £5,000 fine when he appeared in court in Glasgow today.

Senegal international Diouf pleaded guilty to assault under provocation by spitting on a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup match.

Appearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, the 22-year-old striker agreed that he spat on the supporter during the quarter-final tie at Celtic Park on March 13.

Liverpool later issued a statement on behalf of Diouf which read: “I want to say again how sorry I am for what happened at Celtic Park but hope people will understand how shocked I was when I was struck on the back of the head.

“As was made clear today, such an action in Senegal carries a very different and degrading meaning.

“My immediate reaction reflected what I took as a very deliberate provocation. It was wrong and is a mistake I’ll not make again.

“I sincerely hope this incident will not affect the great relationship between the two clubs and their supporters and want to publicly wish Celtic and their fans all the best at home and in the Champions League this season.

“I’ve already been fined heavily by the club and respect the decision of the Glasgow court. I hope I can now draw a line under this whole business and get on with my job of playing football for Liverpool.”