Barry Ferguson sorry after swearing at fans ban

Barry Ferguson has apologised ‘unreservedly’ to Clyde’s fans and directors after accepting a one-match ban for swearing at supporters during his side’s shock Scottish Cup exit to Spartans at the weekend.

Clyde manager Barry Ferguson. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The former Scotland and Rangers skipper was dismissed from the technical area by referee Steven Kirkland in the closing stages of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat after becoming embroiled in an exchange with supporters standing behind his dugout.

The incident was included in Kirkland’s official report to the SFA, prompting a notice of complaint to be issued by compliance officer Tony McGlennan on Monday.

Ferguson was offered a one-game suspension by McGlennan for the use of offensive, insulting or abusive language to a match spectator and has accepted the censure.

The 36-year-old is full of remorse for allowing his frustration at his side’s Ainslie Park display to boil over and has revealed he met with Bully Wee chairman John Alexander on Monday to say sorry for his 
‘unacceptable’ behaviour.

Ferguson said: “I apologise unreservedly for my conduct on Saturday. When you have done wrong, you have to admit it.

“I shared the supporters’ frustration over the performance but, regardless of that, I should never have acted in the way that I did.

“I met with the chairman [on Monday] to apologise to him and I fully accept that what happened was not acceptable.”

Ferguson’s suspension kicks in immediately this weekend.