BIRMINGHAM: A “remorseful” David Warner apologised publicly for the bar-room brawl that led to his suspension from the Champions Trophy even as Australian skipper Michael Clarke told the opener to remember that it was not an IPL, state or county team that he was playing for.
Warner offered unconditional apologies for his altercation with England player Joe Root in a bar after Australia’s opening game loss to the hosts in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
“I’m here today to apologise publicly and put my hand up and say I am responsible for my actions. I am extremely remorseful. I have let my team-mates down, the support staff, myself and my family,” Warner told reporters in a jam-packed press conference.
“I have accepted the punishment. It is up to me to do everything I can to help the team to progress in the Champions Trophy, and move on to have a great preparation for the Ashes.”
Clarke, who accompanied Warner to the press conference, urged him to watch his conduct.
“Although the punishment for David is quite harsh, that’s the reality when you play for the Australian cricket team,” Clarke said.
“This is not an IPL team, this is not state cricket, it’s not county cricket, when you play for Australia there are standards you have to uphold,” he added in a stern warning.
Warner said he clearly remembers what transpired that night but refused to go into the details.
“I definitely remember the night. It started out with a few drinks in the bar and as a team we went to the Walkabout. I made a mistake and I put my hand up,” he said.
“I have exchanged text messages with Joe. He accepted my apology, which I am thoroughly grateful for.”
Clarke said Warner’s behaviour was unacceptable. “It’s probably not the right time for me to sit here and be bragging about David’s leadership qualities,” Clarke said.
“I’ve said in the past that he does have a lot of leadership qualities, but right now as captain of this Australian team, he knows very clearly how I feel. His behaviour is unacceptable as an Australian cricketer.” (PTI)