The Manchester City fan who ran onto the pitch and tried to confront Rio Ferdinand at yesterday's Manchester derby has apologised.
Matthew Stott, 21, was restrained by Blues keeper Joe Hart and subsequently arrested following Robin van Persie's late winner at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. He was subsequently charged with pitch encroachment.
But speaking through his solicitors he has confessed his guilt - and said sorry to the Reds defender.
In a statement, the landscape gardener, from Knutsford, said: "I would like to apologise to all those affected by my actions yesterday, particularly Mr Ferdinand and the other players. I am extremely ashamed of my actions. I have let myself down, my family down, my fellow fans down and Manchester City Football Club.
"I intend to write personally to Mr Ferdinand to express my extreme regret and apologies and also apologise to Manchester United and their fans. I would like to thank Joe Hart for his actions when I came on the pitch."
"I have been a fan of Manchester City Football club all my life and I have been a season ticket holder for three years and I attend the games with my father. I have had the same seat in the section next to the away fans for those three years."