Here is the statement released by a very contrite sounding Nicklas Bendtner. He’s obviously been reading Birflatt Boy’s headmasterly strictures.
Three players, not two, involved in the Newcastle car vandalism allegations? Martin O’Neill has more work to do than any of us imagined.
Without further ado, let Bendtner explain himself:
“Dear friends, fans, Sunderland and family. The past couple of weeks have seen me involved in several incidents that have attracted much negative attention from the media.
After the friendly international versus Finland I was part of an unfortunate incident at the team hotel where I more or less was portrayed as a violent character. Anybody who knows me can testify that I am not. Police in the end decided not to press charges.
In connection with a birthday celebration with my girlfriend I was part of an incident at a pizzeria in downtown Copenhagen where my credit card got rejected. I bet you all know the feeling but in this case it was also described in the media.
The latest incident involves two of my team-mates and me who were picked up by polite and friendly English policemen this morning as CCTV footage allegedly shows us in the process of damaging parked cars after a wet night out on the town.
This case now has to make its way through the British system of justice and a verdict is expected by February next year. In connection with all these incidents I have to make one thing very, very clear.
I am extremely sorry for all of this. I apologise sincerely that I have allowed myself to get involved in things that are interpreted in such dramatic fashion. I fully assume responsibility for not distancing myself from these incidents before they got out of hand. The error is mine alone and I am sorry that I have let so many people down. Basically I am a normal guy with an extraordinary job.
I tend to forget this at times but deep down I know these things. And it does not serve as an excuse for me letting myself get caught up in this.
My family, my son, my precious girlfriend and football are the most important things in my life. And this is what I will have to focus on 100 per cent.
My primary objective right now is to get rid of my injury and get back into full fitness for Sunderland and Denmark. I hope you will understand that I now promise to concentrate fully on football and only football. My focus has to be here – and not anywhere else.
It means that I in the upcoming time won’t be involved in extracurricular activities – like too many parties or interviews about my persona. Trust takes time to build – and I now can see how quickly it disappears.
I admit my sense of judgement has been less than perfect lately. Going forward I will do all I can do in order to honour the trust that you, my fans, my friends and my lovely family show me every single day. Nothing short of the best is good enough for you and it is something I haven’t produced for you lately.
See you – on the pitch. Warm greetings, Nicklas.”
Absolutely-He is innocent until proved guilty of course and hopefully is likely to be so.
We have to be very careful what we say about this Hilary. The charges against Bramble are far more serious (on the face of it) than those against Bentner and Cattermole. It’s not good to see any of these charges, as the commentator pointed out we have as many players on bail as wins this season. How embarrassing is that?
As far as Bramble is concerned, the options are really limited. Limited to playing him in fact, or Kilgallon who hasn’t played a competitive game in this division since God was a boy. I can’t even remember when. We are down to the bare bones, and there is really no other option. It’s not covering the club in glory seeing someone who is facing the judicial system on such serious charges taking the field for us but these are desperate times, and he remains innocent until proven guilty of course.
Hilary: Jeremy is right about the need for caution, especially in a pubic forum. It is perfectly legitimate to believe he should be suspended pending the outcome of proceedings (the club has got itself to blame for the perception of double standards given its immediate punishment – ie banning from the stadium, last season, people who had been accused of disorder at Newcastle station, but at that stage convicted of nothing, after a pre-season friendly in Scotland). But that is as far as we can go. The law of the land requires Bramble to be regarded as innocent and there are no shades of grey even though the club has already acted on the disciplinary aspects of where and when he found himself at the time the allegations were made. Do not be surprised if comments, however well intended, are edited.
Cattermole and Bendtner are fools and yobs. Bramble however has been accused of something much worse than they have. I realise that O’Neill is under enormous pressure,however for him to play Bramble, with the charges he has against him, is unacceptable. Bramble should be suspended until the case is heard.
O’Neill made some statement about ‘a fresh start’-if Bramble was being charged with drunken disorder that might be OK, but the charges against him are about as serious as it can get (NB and also just that, charges that have not been proved – editor),. As a woman I find it particularly problematic that he is being allowed to play before being cleared of the charges. I am a great fan of Martin O’Neill, but am disappointed by this.
With Cattermole, actions have always spoken louder than words. I see he’s on the bench today. And that Bendtner just subbed for Wickham.
Absolutely Malcolm. He clearly realises that he has overstepped the mark here. He isn’t intellgent enough to keep away from problems but he is at least bright enough to realise that he is in danger of shooting the golden goose.
Cattermole interestingly has said nowt, but he’s part way to the gallows following Bendtner’s comments.
The old saying holds true – “actions speak louder than words” but the words are a start. Let’s see if he lives up to them starting with a goal or three.
It can’t be Bruce who wrote it otherwise he would be telling us how “disappointed” he is.
I think it’s our turn to be disappointed. Problems just seem to follow him. Smoke and fire.
Too many multi-syllabic words for Bruce to be involved.
P.S. I must thank my old friend and mentor, Steve Bruce, for writing this letter for me.