Zander Apologises To Fans

Last updated : 01 April 2008 By Stand Free Ed

LIFELONG Celtic supporter Zander Diamond has apologised for the photo that has caused embarrassment to family and friends.

And Diamond has been read the riot act by Celtic football club after being photographed decked out in Aberdeen regalia.

The defender posed with a Dons shirt, shorts and socks during celebrations to mark Aberdeen's 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv Moscow on November 8 last year.

The photo, taken by Diamond's girlfriend Laura Park, showed the Celtic favourite cavorting with Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine after he scored the opening goal of the game...for Aberdeen!

It is reported that Diamond has owned up to frequently dressing up in Aberdeen apparel, sometimes for as long as 90 minutes at a time.

Shame-faced Celt Diamond said: "It was a stupid thing to do and I apologise to all fellow Celtic fans and my family and friends."

The photo appeared on social networking website BBC.co.uk and a number of newspaper sports pages and sports websites, and is thought to have been taken during Aberdeen's fixture with the Russian club at Pittodrie.

Diamond, who was born near Dumbarton at Alexandria, has never hidden his Aberdeen allegiance, but he has been warned by his family and friends about his future conduct.

Diamond is viewed as a potential Celtic captain and has been told by the club there must be no repeat.

A Celtic spokesman said: "He put himself in a stupid situation and there are no excuses for it. We have spoken to Zander and I don't think he will do it again because he's well aware of our views on the matter."

The controversial picture

The spokesman added: "Players have to be aware of the age we live in and their responsibilities as Celtic fans. If you are on a football pitch in front of thousands of fans, there may be photographers in amongst them so you must be careful.

"In general terms, it is not always the players who are at fault - the people round about them are a factor. If all Zander's friends are wearing Aberdeen strips on a Saturday afternoon, it is all too easy for him to get brainwashed."