Keith Earls offers apology for 'tip-tackle' on Fraser Brown
Keith Earls, pictured, has offered an unreserved apology to Fraser Brown following his October comments
©PA
Munster utility back Keith Earls has offered an apology to Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown for the 'tip-tackle' he performed in the European Champions Cup encounter that saw the Ireland international sent-off from the game in October.
The incident happened in the 18th minute of the game which Munster won 38-17 as they paid tribute to their head coach Anthony Foley, who passed away due to serious heart condition a week prior to the game.
Following the incident, Earls insisted that Brown "could have done more to protect himself" which did not go well with the Scotland international.
"As professional players we've got a duty of care for each other," Brown had said, reacting to the criticism from Earls.
"If you do something wrong, it's being big enough to put your hand up and say you got something wrong. So for me, it's disappointing he could come out and put the blame somewhere else."
However, Earls on Monday issued an apology on the incident through a statement released by Munster in which he regretted his action.
"I wish to address my part in the Champions Cup Munster versus Glasgow Warriors game and a subsequent interview I held, as the incident in question has rumbled on for a number of weeks and in addressing this I hope to put to bed a matter that has escalated because of my own doing," read Earls' statement, issued through Munster.
"In a poorly worded interview on my part I failed to acknowledge that I apologised to Fraser Brown for my actions during the Munster versus Glasgow Warriors game.
"I also failed to confirm that I acknowledged I had committed an act of foul play, and fully accepted the corresponding sanction, apologising to Glasgow Warriors and EPCR (European Rugby Challenge Cup) for my conduct.
"I have since written to EPCR once again confirming my acceptance of the disciplinary decision and outcome. I have also addressed the misunderstanding directly with Fraser and unreservedly apologised again for my actions and the wording I used during the interview.
"I hope this paints a clearer picture for all and I believe it is important October 22 in Thomond Park is remembered for the right reasons and not for something I deeply regret."
