Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt apologises for outburst
Wanderers boss Ian Evatt makes his way off the pitch after the 2-2 draw against Cambridge United .
IAN Evatt has apologised for using foul language on his way off the pitch at half time during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Cambridge United.
The Bolton Wanderers boss was heard shouting the words “f*** off!” on his way back into the dressing room with his side 2-1 down at the time and supporters making their frustration clear with jeers ringing around the Toughsheet Stadium.
Some of the fans in the immediate vicinity raised their objections to the club via social media – pointing out the number of youngsters who are also seated in that area.
The incident was also put online on Monday by Cambridge’s media team as part of their matchday highlights package, a clip of which then spread quickly around the Wanderers fanbase.
Speaking to The Bolton News, Evatt said he regretted his actions but insisted the words were not aimed at any particular individual.
“First of all, I do apologise if any offence was taken,” he said. “I was walking back down the tunnel, I didn’t stop to look at any one person or target anybody in particular, I was just so annoyed with what had happened in the first half, the football, and it all came out.
“It was pure frustration at what I’d seen on the pitch. I didn’t mean it to come across as aggressive towards anybody, especially the fans. It was me letting my emotions out and it wasn’t personal at all.”
The Bolton News contacted the club for comment and have asked if there has been any formal complaint made.
Wanderers fans have become increasingly vocal towards the manager over the last few weeks, with banners and chants appearing throughout the last couple of league games.
Evatt will be back in the dugout tonight for Bolton’s home game against Charlton Athletic, where a win could lift them level on points with the play-off positions.
Assistant boss Stephen Crainey took the pre-match press conference and said players would have to find a way to get results in what could be a potentially tricky atmosphere.
“We demand that we win games of football here, as staff and as players” he said. “The players don’t go into games not to win them, so hopefully against Charlton we can get both the result and the performance.
“I do think we can be a wee bit more clinical at the top end of the pitch, especially when you get the amount of possession we did on Saturday, dominating the ball, and we should have had more end product, but we didn’t. Hopefully that changes.
“Defensively we can’t give away cheap goals. We did that on Saturday but we have spoken about it, so hopefully they take it on board.
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