Martins Apugo renders unreserved apology over regrettable action

Diamond Football Academy President, Martin Apugo is remorseful about a fracas he had with John Kelechi which led to a minor injury on Saturday prior to the disruption of football activity due to the novel coronavirus.

Apugo who gave his own side of the story, explained that the whole drama began when  he was trying to scold Kelechi for calling out the center referee after a penalty was spotted against All Stars goalkeeper.

“What really happened on Saturday was that Kelechi lost his cool by challenging the referee’s decision.

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 continued 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.

The President went further to say that they had to abide by the directive of the Nigeria Football Federation on social distancing by halting the all football activity right when the announcement was made.

“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.

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 learnt his lesson after apologizing to the player and  treating his injury.