Source: Team_Talk
Fans urged to accept CC apology
Craig Brown has appealed to Motherwell fans to accept Colin Calderwood's apology over remarks made following the death of Phil O'Donnell.[LNB] Hibernian boss Calderwood issued an apology on Thursday over comments he made after refusing to hold a minute's silence for O'Donnell while Nottingham Forest manager.[LNB]Clubs across Britain paid tribute to O'Donnell in the days following the death of the Motherwell captain, who collapsed during a game against Dundee United on December 29, 2007.[LNB]But Calderwood felt a tribute was inappropriate before Forest's home match with Huddersfield.[LNB]Calderwood was quoted as saying at the time: "Sometimes it needs to be a bit closer to home. The fact that it was a boy in Scotland, does that make it any different to a boy in Colombia?"[LNB]However the former Scotland defender felt his words had been taken out of context and apologised for the offence they caused ahead of Motherwell's trip to Easter Road tomorrow.[LNB]Brown, who handed Calderwood all of his 36 international caps, said: "I ask the Motherwell fans to respect Colin's apology. He has made a full and unqualified apology.[LNB]"I know the nature of the guy and I really feel he wouldn't have meant any ill towards Phil and his family. He played with Phil after all.[LNB]"I too selected Phil for the Under-21 and the national team. I get emotional talking about him as you would understand.[LNB]"Please accept the apology and bear no ill will. You create a further sadness to the family when you highlight anything like that.[LNB]"The best thing is to let it rest and accept Colin's apology because I know how sincere it is."[LNB]Calderwood, who took over at Easter Road last month, said yesterday: "It's something that has obviously caused offence and for that I can only apologise.[LNB]"I played with Phil and I apologise, especially to his family. They are the ones we should always show respect to.[LNB]"If it caused them any distress that would worry me greatly and I apologise to them now."
