'I am truly sorry': Shrewsbury Town's James Collins issues apology for 'Cheltenham Festival incident'
Shrewsbury Town striker James Collins has been fined two weeks wages and apologised after pictures emerged showing a "drunken incident" at Cheltenham Festival.
The 25-year-old striker was at the festival yesterday with Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Samir Carruthers, who was also accused of urinating into a glass. They were with a group of other professional footballers at the races.
Shrewsbury Town and Northampton Town Football Club, where the player is on loan, can confirm that following a joint internal investigation and discussions between both clubs, striker James Collins has been fined the maximum allowable two weeks wages and warned of his future conduct.
James Collins has issued an aplogy saying: "I cannot apologise enough for my actions and the pictures from my visit to Cheltenham Races yesterday. I have completely let myself, my family, the fans, and the two clubs that I represent down and I am sorry to everyone involved.
"My actions are not excusable and whilst the pictures are rather misleading in that there were not people below this balcony and it was only a grassed area there is still no defence to what happened.
"As a footballer I understand and appreciate that we are role models and this has only emphasised the negative stereotype of the modern footballer and for that I am truly sorry and disappointed in myself. It is now something that I will work hard to change.
"I do feel this is totally out of character and something that has embarrassed me and my family and I fully accept the clubs punishment. I will now focus on what I know I am extremely lucky to do for a career and that is to play football.
Shrewsbury Town Chief Executive Brian Caldwell said "We are extremely disappointed in James actions which has not only brought down the good name of both Shrewsbury Town FC and Northampton Town FC but also himself and his family.
"The player deeply regrets his actions and realises the consequences of his behaviour.
"Shrewsbury Town FC will not tolerate such behaviour which tarnishes the clubs reputation as a family club within the local community"
MK Dons has said it is also investigating Carruthers, while a tweet from Cheltenham Racecourse said: "In regards to images of inappropriate behaviour from yesterday, we have cancelled their booking for today."
