Dublin apologises for headbutt

The Villa forward reacted furiously to something Savage said and, with referee Mark Halsey just a few feet away, clearly butted the Birmingham player.

Dublin has been quick to apologise for the incident - which occurred early in the second-half.

"What was said is irrelevant. My actions were wrong. It was the wrong reaction," said Dublin, who also denied that there was any racist language from Savage.

"I am ashamed of what I have done. I've let the players, the manager and staff down - and most importantly I have let myself down.

"I called a meeting of my team-mates this morning and said sorry to them. I wanted to say sorry to their faces.

"I have never done anything like that in my career before. Where it came from, I just don't know. I just don't know why I reacted like that.

"Possibly it was partly frustration but I have got no explanation for my actions. But it won't happen again.

"If the police want to take action than that is up to them."

Birmingham chairman David Gold has earlier stated that he thought that it was merely a moment of madness from Dublin, and not a feud.

"I spoke to Robbie and he gave me no indication of any problems other than an horrendous tackle on him," said Gold.

"He got up and remonstrated, as most players would, and the next thing we saw Dion Dublin headbutt Robbie and he was sent off."