Premiership: 'Disrespectful' Ginola says sorry

David Ginola has apologised for his ‘‘disrespectful’’ behaviour after being sent off against Leicester on Saturday.

David Ginola has apologised for his ‘‘disrespectful’’ behaviour after being sent off against Leicester on Saturday.

The Frenchman saw red after he lashed out at Dennis Wise and was then involved in a touchline confrontation with fourth official Clive Wilkes.

The Football Association have since charged Ginola with misconduct, and he has 14 days to respond.

However, Ginola today explained his behaviour, insisting it was a heat-of-the-moment reaction to a tackle from Wise which he feared could have broken his leg.

The Villa player pointed a finger at Wilkes and then touched him on the left side of his head following his red card by referee Steve Bennett for violent conduct after kicking out at Wise.

He had to be calmed down by manager John Gregory, first team coach Stuart Gray and physio Jim Walker before finally heading to the dressing rooms.

However, Ginola said: ‘‘I would like to apologise for any embarrassment I caused the officials, particularly Mr Wilkes.

‘‘My reaction was in the heat of the moment, and was completely out of character, and I did not mean to be disrespectful.

‘‘I was frustrated at having been sent off not long after coming on, and I was angry and upset because I felt that had Dennis Wise’s challenge connected properly with me, it may have broken my leg.

‘‘I also wish to point out that I did not swear at the fourth official, I was swearing at myself because I was annoyed and frustrated.’’

Ginola will be asking for a personal hearing from the FA, where he will be represented by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Mick McGuire, assistant chief executive of the PFA, confirmed: ‘‘David has sent a letter requesting a personal hearing, and we shall be accompanying him on the day.’’

Ginola faces a three-match ban for his red card but if he is found guilty of misconduct he will face an extra three-match ban and a possible total fine of £170,000.

If the punishment is a six-game suspension Ginola will miss the matches with Ipswich (home), Derby (away), Liverpool (home), Tottenham (home), Sunderland (away) and the third round of the FA Cup.

The 34-year-old would not be available again until the home match with Derby on January 12.

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