Post by Taxigirl on May 13, 2004 13:45:07 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3708651.stm
John Hartson has apologised to Celtic fans for his failure to show up for the Premier League title trophy party.
John Hartson has apologised to Celtic fans for his failure to show up for the Premier League title trophy party.
The striker scored nine goals in 15 league games before undergoing surgery on a back injury in January.
"With hindsight I'd admit that yes, I should have gone along and collected my medal," said Hartson.
"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."
The Welsh international added: "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.
"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.
"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."
John Hartson has apologised to Celtic fans for his failure to show up for the Premier League title trophy party.
John Hartson has apologised to Celtic fans for his failure to show up for the Premier League title trophy party.
The striker scored nine goals in 15 league games before undergoing surgery on a back injury in January.
"With hindsight I'd admit that yes, I should have gone along and collected my medal," said Hartson.
"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."
The Welsh international added: "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.
"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.
"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."