By Karl Wilkinson
December 3 2003

Andy Griffin has apologised to Newcastle United for the moment of madness which has left him facing a three-match ban. Griffin was red carded for violent conduct in the reserves defeat against Aston Villa Andy Griffin has apologised to Newcastle United for the moment of madness which has left him facing a three-match ban.

The United full-back was red-carded for violent conduct in the reserves' defeat by Villa at Walsall's Bescot Stadium.

Griffin will now miss the games with Spurs at St James' Park a week on Saturday and the trips to Charlton Athletic and Leicester City.
Robson was understandably angry with the 24-year-old full-back and fined him the maximum two weeks' wages.

However, speaking for the first time on the incident which led to a brawl among the players of both sides, Griffin said today: "I let a lot of people down and I'm disappointed with that.
"Things like this happen every now and again in football, but obviously you don't want them to happen to yourself.

"It was a mistake on my behalf and I apologise for that. All I can say is hopefully it won't happen again.”

"I'm going to miss three games this month which is very disappointing, but I've got to face up to the punishment.”

"It was my fault. Life is a learning curve, and you live and learn by these things."