Martin Scott sends text apology to Ian Black

Published on Tuesday 5 April 2011 20:07

HIBERNIAN midfielder Martin Scott has expressed his remorse for a late tackle on Ian Black in the form of an apologetic text message to the Hearts player.

The combatant midfielders clashed in the early stages of Sunday's derby, which finished 2-2. Some observers felt Scott's challenge, which saw one of his boots scrape down Black's leg, deserved more than the yellow card he was shown. "I thought it was just a foul at the time, but I watched it back on television and it does look like a nasty one," Scott admitted yesterday.

"It looks like I kicked down the back of (his] calf. When you slow it down it looks worse than what it was. I kind of remember it well.

"He took his touch and showed me the ball a wee bit, but then he has moved it quickly so he has sucked me in so to speak. It was definitely a free kick and a booking, I've got to hold my hands up.

"I actually got Black's number and I texted him on Monday night to apologise for that because I would never intentionally go into hurt someone," added Scott. "But I'm competitive and it's part of my game. Ian is the same sort of player. I'm sure Black has kicked a few people in his Hearts career."

Indeed, Black himself issued an apology for a bad challenge as recently as October, after his late challenge from behind saw Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic sidelined for three months with ankle ligament damage.