McPhail makes Bluebirds apology

McPhail gets his marching orders

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Cardiff captain Stephen McPhail has apologised for his sending off in the south Wales derby against Swansea.

McPhail, who was also sent off when the two sides met in the Carling Cup earlier in the season, was dismissed for two bookable offences during Sunday's 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

The Irishman was given his second yellow card for needlessly kicking the ball away and Bluebirds boss Dave Jones blasted McPhail for costing his side victory, with Cardiff leading 2-1 at that stage.

McPhail has held his hands up for his mistake and he has issued an apology to his team-mates, club and fans.

"I want to apologise to my team-mates, the club and, most importantly, the fans for getting sent off against Swansea," McPhail told the club's official website.

"I fully appreciate just how much I've let myself, the club and the fans down. I reacted in the heat of the moment without really thinking.

"I know that going down to 10 men at that point in such a big local derby probably cost us all three points. Anyone that knows me will know it's totally out of character for me to do something like that and, as captain, I should know better.

"I apologised to the lads and the staff after the match but I felt I owed to the fans to front up to them as well. Once the ban is over, I'll come back and let my performances pay everyone back and help the club pick up some more wins."