This is Burnley midfielder Kevin McDonald, the soccer player in question. And yes, he did skip out at half time during a recent game, head down to a local pub and grab a pint of beer, an act which drew much criticism, and a monetary fine, from Burnley club officials.
Sorry folks, but I would have done the same damn thing.
It’s all about perspective here people. Burnley was getting their asses handed to them by Manchester City (it was 5-0 at half time, and Man City would go on to win 6-1), when McDonald was replaced at the break by another player. His day was over, his club was getting thrashed on the pitch, and his family had travelled from Carnoustie, Scotland to watch him play.
So then, why not grab the family and go for a wee nip?
McDonald, with family in tow, made his way down to the 110 Club, an establishment located nearby, and downed a few pints of ale…while watching the second half of his own game.
After being reprimanded by the team, McDonald gave the obligatory apology…
“I now realise it was naive, disrespectful and totally wrong of me to leave the ground at half-time on Saturday. It was a gross misjudgement and instead I should have remained at Turf Moor to support my club and team-mates.
“I acknowledge that I also showed a serious lack of respect to all the fans who were at the ground and who pay good money to watch their team play.
“I would like to apologise to the players, management and supporters and I have accepted my punishment.”
Yawn…yet another boring, perfunctory apology from an athlete, who, in my opinion, has nothing to apologize for. Well, publicly anyway–privately, McDonald should have apologized to each and every one of his teammate’s for skipping out on them.
Hey, at the end of the day, all this guy did was skip out of work early to go have a beer with some friends and family. Nothing wrong with that–especially since beer is one of the few things that can make a soccer blowout somewhat watchable (the others being liquor, weed and naked ladies).
[H/T to With Leather, Image]
