Manchester City fan apologises for attempted Rio Ferdinand confrontation

The Manchester City supporter who ran onto the pitch during yesterday's derby at the Etihad Stadium to confront Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has issued an apology.

Twenty-one-year-old Matthew Stott made a beeline for Ferdinand after Robin van Persie had struck a late winner for the visitors. However, before he could reach the centre-back, City goalkeeper Joe Hart intervened.

Having subsequently been charged for his actions, Stott has issued a statement of regret.

"I would like to apologise to all those affected by my actions yesterday, particularly Mr Ferdinand and the other players. I am extremely ashamed of my actions. I have let myself down, my family down, my fellow fans down and Manchester City football club," said the landscape gardener.

"I intend to write personally to Mr Ferdinand to express my extreme regret and apologies and also apologise to Manchester United and their fans. I would like to thank Joe Hart for his actions when I came on the pitch.

"I have been a fan of Manchester City football club all my life and I have been a season ticket holder for three years and I attend the games with my father. I have had the same seat in the section next to the away fans for those three years."

A report has claimed that City will ban Stott from attending their matches for life.