Hartson apologises for no-show
John Hartson today publicly apologised to Celtic fans for his failure to show up for the Bank of Scotland Premier League title trophy presentation.
His absence shocked the Parkhead faithful, who wanted to show their appreciation for his nine league goals in 14 games before he was forced to undergo surgery on a back injury.
He revealed that he did not appear because it did not feel right after so long on the sidelines, although he would have collected his medal if he had known the reaction it would cause.
Hartson said: “I heard Henrik going on the other day about the importance of being your own man at a club like this and I’m very much like that.
“With hindsight I’d admit that yes, I should have gone along and collected my medal.
“I wouldn’t even be setting the record straight on all this stuff if I’d done that and that is something I regret.
“But it’s done and I want the fans to understand why I didn’t go along.
“When it came down to it, it just didn’t feel right for me to be celebrating having not kicked a ball for four months.
“I’m the type of guy who only enjoys celebrating when I’ve played a part and I think most people will remember that.
“When we won the league in my first season here I was absolutely buzzing. I loved every minute of it and got into it as much as any of the boys.
“This time it just didn’t feel right for me to be there.
“Don’t get me wrong, I was delighted for the boys and for the supporters who’ve been magnificent.
“I’ve just had so many disappointments over the past year or so, what with having to go through two back operations and missing so many massive games, and I suppose it’s taken its toll.
“I’ve enjoyed unbelievable success since I came here and yet I’ve probably experienced as many lows as any of the players here.
“So having not played for the last four months, to go out there and lift the trophy up to the fans would have seemed a bit false.
“That’s not me feeling sorry for myself. Shaun (Maloney), Ulrik (Laursen) and the rest of the injured lads obviously felt all right with going out and fair play to them for that.
“It just wasn’t for me. I know I played nearly 20 games and scored a few goals so I suppose I played my part.
“But I’m someone who lives for the moment and it didn’t seem right. I just hope the fans don’t take it as a kind of slight against them.
“I have a fantastic rapport with the Celtic supporters and I would hate for anything to change that.
“I just hope they can understand my reasons and judge me on what I do when I’m fit and on the pitch.”
