WARRINGTON’S Aussie star Matt King has issued a personal apology for the one-finger gesture he made to fans during the Wolves’ 60-8 defeat at Harlequins.
The 28-year-old former Australia Test winger reacted angrily to barracking from travelling Warrington fans who made clear their displeasure at the club’s tenth successive defeat – and their fifth this season, which leaves them rooted to the bottom of Super League.
In a statement released on the club’s official website www.warringtonwolves.com, King (pictured right) said he “snapped” after being the subject of personal abuse during the second half of Saturday’s match at the Twickenham Stoop.
“I’ve decided to write the following statement as an apology to the club and particularly the fans of Warrington Wolves,” King stated.
“The decision to make this statement was made by me alone and I have not been asked by anyone connected with the club to come forward and make a statement.
“Saturday afternoon’s defeat at Harlequins was a very disappointing and frustrating afternoon for the players, fans and officials of this club.
“During the second half I received a barrage of personal abuse directed at me from a section of our ‘support’. The abuse culminated over a period of time before I reached my breaking point and I snapped.
“Being only human I retaliated verbally and with a hand gesture to the said ‘supporters’.
“I would like to apologise for any offence caused to any supporters, especially families and young children, that were sat in this area.
“As a professional rugby league player I understand I have an example to set and many young supporters see me as a role model.
“I take pride in how I handle myself and always try to set a good example for others to follow on and off the field.
“My reaction to the abuse was out of character for me. This statement has been written with sincerity and I hope the good supporters of Warrington Wolves will accept it.”
King is in the second year of a four-year contract at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and has struggled to live up to the high expectations placed on him.
