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14th Nov 2017

Conor McGregor finally issues apology over Bellator Dublin antics

"I sincerely apologise for my behaviour."

Ben Kiely

There was one notable absentee in Conor McGregor’s apology for his actions at Bellator Dublin.

Conor McGregor has issued an apology for his behaviour immediately after Charlie Ward’s win at Bellator 187 in the 3Arena last Friday.

Once his teammate Charlie Ward dropped opponent John Redmond at the end of the opening round, McGregor leapt into the cage, shoved referee Marc Goddard and slapped a Bellator employee in the face.

He confessed in his social media statement that his emotions got the better of him, adding that he was reacting to what he saw as a ‘horrendous decision’ by the referee. McGregor claimed that Goddard tried to ‘pick up’ John Redmond off the floor and ‘force the fight to continue.’

Several reports suggest that Goddard had not stopped the fight when McGregor entered the cage, although it’s important to note that the official did not try to lift an unconscious fighter off the mat and force him to fight.

He signed off by apologising to director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, John Redmond and his coach Andy Ryan, as well as his fans. It’s interesting to note that McGregor didn’t explicitly apologise to Goddard in the statement.

He has vowed to learn from this mistake.

I sincerely apologize for my behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line. As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard. The referee Marc Godard was making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the floor and force the fight to continue into the second round. Even against the wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over. After witnessing my fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I lost it and over reacted. I am sorry to everyone. I sincerely apologize to the Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John, two stonch ones that put up a great fight every time. That side will always have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love yous all! I’ve always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.

A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on