Sutton says sorry to Dunfermline

Celtic forward Chris Sutton has apologised personally to Dunfermline a week after saying they "lay down" against Rangers in a match that deprived the English striker's team of the Scottish Premier League title.

Rangers beat Dunfermline 6-1 on the last day of the season Sunday to deprive arch-rivals and title holders Celtic - 4-0 winners over Kilmarnock - of the championship on goal difference.

Former Blackburn and Chelsea forward Sutton, himself sent off against Kilmarnock for foul and abusive language promptly made his "lay down" remarks.

He issued an apology via his agent earlier this week but that was not enough for Dunfermline to let the matter rest.

On Friday, Sutton apologised personally, saying his comments were simply a reaction to the fact that Celtic had lost the UEFA Cup final and the Scottish title within the space of four days.

"I had made it clear on Monday the circumstances in which my comments were made and that I regretted any offence which these comments may have caused," Sutton told Celtic's official website.

"I would like to reiterate that I apologise sincerely to Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, the players, management team and supporters for any offence which my comments may have caused.

"As everyone will know, these comments were made in the immediate aftermath of us losing the title and at the end of an extremely disappointing week.

"I have great respect for the Dunfermline players as fellow professionals and I hope that they will accept this apology in the manner in which it is offered."