The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Griffiths apologises to fans
Dundee FC striker Leigh Griffiths has issued an apology after kicking a smoke bomb toward St Johnstone fans at Dens Park.
A video of the incident on Wednesday night went viral on social media, showing Griffiths booting the canister into the away end after it was thrown on to the pitch.
In an apology issued through the club, the striker says it is “regrettable” that the pyrotechnic ended up back among supporters.
The statement said: “Dundee Football Club and Leigh Griffiths would like to address a regrettable incident which occurred during last night’s Premier Sports Cup tie with St Johnstone at the Kilmac Stadium.
“Following the opening goal a smoke generator, amongst other items, was thrown on to the park by the visiting supporters.
“This pyrotechnic ended up back in the stand as Leigh kicked it to remove it from the field of play.”
Griffiths said: “It was regrettable that the pyrotechnic ended up back in the stand as my intention was just to remove it from the pitch.
“Having just lost a goal I was eager to get the match restarted as quickly as possible and I would like to apologise for any distress caused by this action.”
The club says it will make no further comment.
Griffiths was targeted by St Johnstone fans throughout Wednesday’s match, which the Saints won 2-0 thanks to goals from Shaun Rooney and Ali Crawford.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving a small number of smoke devices at Dens Park, during the match between Dundee and St Johnstone football clubs on Wednesday September 22.
“There were no injuries and no complaints have been made to police at this stage. Inquiries into the matter are ongoing.”
The on-loan Celtic striker could still face disciplinary action from the Scottish Football Association.
“There were no injuries and no complaints