Wales skipper Ashley Williams has apologised after being caught on camera calling his own fans “mugs.”
Williams made the remark ahead of Friday’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Everton defender, who played for Cardiff’s arch-rivals Swansea from 2008-2016, was filmed arriving the ground ahead of kick-off.
The full video, posted on the official Nations League Twitter page, appears to show Williams saying: “Look at these mugs doing the Ayatollah.”
He was passing a picture of Cardiff fans doing their trademark gesture while making the comments.
The ill-advised gaffe upset a lot of supporters and the 34-year-old was forced to respond as soon as Wales landed in Tirana for Tuesday’s friendly with Albania.
Williams, who has 81 caps, said: “I didn’t mean to cause any offence. Apologies if it offended anyone.
“It is disappointing. But it was not meant how it came out. There was a bit of banter with me and the physio Sean Connelly who is at Cardiff and was in the picture. I have nothing against Cardiff fans, as players we love the Welsh fans.
“Maybe we shouldn’t have had that joke at that time. It was unfortunate it was on camera.”
The tweet has since been removed but Williams’ remark has generated a storm of controversy.
One fan, Richard Bertin, responded: “I never want to see Ashley Williams put on a Welsh shirt ever again.”
Others have complained to the FAW on social media.
The row has overshadowed Chris Gunter winning a record 93rd cap.
Boss Ryan Giggs said: “We all know Cardiff and Swansea are big rivals. Ash as the captain just like the rest of the lads is thankful for that support.”
Giggs confirmed star man Gareth Bale will feature in Tirana, saying: “He is fit and committed and wants to be here for Chris.”
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