McCormack apologises following assault on Elliot

Published on Thursday 30 April 2009 22:05

HIBERNIAN defender Darren McCormack has apologised to Heart of Midlothian striker Calum Elliot after being fined £1,000 and convicted for assault at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

McCormack, 20, who punched Elliot, 21, in the face outside an Edinburgh club last month, also made it clear he regretted letting his own club down in what was an act of unacceptable behaviour.

"I want to publicly apologise to Calum Elliot for what happened," he said. "I would also like to say sorry to the supporters and everyone connected with Hibernian. The whole episode was completely unacceptable in terms of the standards expected by the club, and I deeply regret my behaviour."

McCormack has also been disciplined by Hibs, though the club preferred to keep their own action confidential. Hibs chief Executive Scott Lindsay explained : "Darren's actions on the night in question were completely unacceptable under any circumstances. Hibernian will not tolerate behaviour of this type and Darren realises that he needs to set an example given his privileged position as a professional footballer.

"The matter has now been properly settled by the courts, and Darren has already been dealt with through the club's own disciplinary procedure, the outcome of which will remain private between the club and player." The incident took place in Edinburgh's George Street in the early hours of 22 March.

The court heard how there had been an argument before McCormack confronted Elliot and punched him on the right side of the face.

Elliot was taken to hospital where he was X-rayed for a suspected broken cheekbone but escaped serious injury.

The Hearts striker was recently named the SPL's Young Player of the Month for April.