WORCESTER City striker Mark Danks apologised for his first-half dismissal at Shawbury United but insisted there had been no malice in his actions.

Danks saw red less than half-an-hour into Worcester’s surprise 2-1 reverse against the side that had propped up the Midland League Premier Division at kick-off.

Referee Joshua Brookland deemed that Danks had stamped on Josh Thomas while stretching to make a challenge as his opponent lost balance and hit the deck in a rolling motion.

Danks acknowledged his past reputation as a hot head would set tongues wagging but was adamant he had meant no harm.

“I know people have already made up their minds but I usually hold up my hands if I have done something wrong,” said Danks.

“The lad got underneath me as I tried to put my foot down. In hindsight I probably should have just fallen on him but the ball was there to win.

“As my foot went towards the ground it met the player.

“The referee said it did not look good but when three or four of their players thought there was very little in it and the linesman thought it was a yellow card I felt I had a case.

“I didn’t give the ref a great choice with the way it looked but I know I didn’t mean to do it and you could see that from my reaction the second it stopped.

“Their lad didn’t help me, getting up and laughing afterwards.

“If you run the risk with something like that, you give the ref an option but the only other thing I could have done was land on top of him.

“That also doesn’t cover the fact he kicked out at me as I put my foot down. No one will reflect on it more than me all the way through to our next match.

“I apologise and hold up my hands because it didn’t help us but when you haven’t intentionally done it you get left with a bitter taste. There is no one more annoyed than me. People will be talking and saying ‘Same old Danks’ but I will pick myself up and come back stronger.”

And there was a second apology from Danks on behalf of his team-mates following an insipid display.

“There was no real desire from anyone, something I thought I would never associate with our team,” he added.

“Shawbury wanted it more and just because they were bottom of the league did not mean we would win.

“I think I speak for everyone in the team and the management when I apologise to the fans. It was not good enough.”