A non-league goalkeeper who was sacked just 24 hours after signing for a new club because he headbutted a fan has issued an apology.
Lewis Patching, 22, joined AFC Rushden & Diamonds on an emergency loan at the weekend shortly before their Northern Premier League fixture against Hye Town with their usual first-choice goalkeeper unavailable.
But just one day after putting pen to paper, Patching had his registration terminated following an incident with a fan in a bar. It's alleged that after conceding four goals on his debut, Patching headbutted a fan, with Rushden & Diamonds confirming the following day that the youngster would not play for them again.
Patching, who previously spent nine years at the academy of League One outfit Northampton Town, has now taken to social media to apologise for the incident, which occurred after he was "shouted at aggressively" post-match.
He said: “Firstly, I'd like to apologise to the supporter involved and Rushden & Diamonds FC for the events that took place [on] Saturday evening.
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“I was disappointed how the game panned out personally and for the club. After the game a group of home supporters began hurling abuse. One of them then confronted me directly, invading my personal space and shouting in my face aggressively. Genuinely fearing for my safety and emotions running high, I reacted, which I deeply regret.
“This is not an excuse for my actions and I'm disappointed in myself for losing control. Again, I'd like to apologise and wish the club/supporter all the best moving forward. Lewi.”
A club statement released on Sunday addressing the incident had already confirmed that Patching's registration had been cancelled. It read: “AFC Rushden & Diamonds are aware of an incident in the bar between a first-team player and a supporter following this afternoon’s defeat to Lye Town.
“The player in question has had his registration with the club cancelled with immediate effect and will not feature for the club going forward. Whilst football is a game that evokes extremes of emotions and divides opinions, AFC Rushden & Diamonds are committed to ensuring that all players, supporters and visitors treat one another with respect and are able to attend matches free from the threat of abuse of either a physical or verbal nature.
“AFC Rushden & Diamonds are committed to ensuring that any event hosted by the club is done so in a safe and welcoming environment and exercise a zero tolerance stance on any and all violence.”
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