LES MURRAY APOLOGISES

[UNITEDCITY]

Neill accepts Murray apology




Truce... Neill and Murray have spoken and agreed that the matter is now closed.

Australia captain Lucas Neill has accepted a public apology from SBS football broadcaster Les Murray, who admitted he was misled by information he received about the Socceroos dressing room in the lead-up to the Germany match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.


“In the light of new information that has come to hand I accept that I was misled by my sources and that Lucas Neill did not call for the team to ignore the then national coach’s instructions,” Murray said in a statement.

“In my view Lucas Neill has been an outstanding captain of the Australian national football team and the third party report of the Australian game against Germany was never meant to be disparaging of Mr Neill’s character and sense of duty to the team.

“I take this opportunity to unreservedly apologise to Lucas Neill for any hurt or embarrassment concerning this matter.”

On holiday in the United States, Neill expressed disappointment his name had been sullied by the claims, but accepted Murray’s apology.

“After discussing the matter with Les, I have decided not to proceed with legal action,” Neill said in his statement.

“It was important for me to ensure that my reputation remain intact and make the public aware that I have never, nor would ever, behave in this manner towards a manager."

Publisher of Murray's book The World Game, Hardie Grant, confirmed that all reprints and new editions will exclude the reference to Lucas Neill.


“Furthermore I’m happy that any further prints of the book will exclude this extract. I sincerely hope that anybody who reads the book in its current form understands that the allegations that were reported about me are completely false,” Neill said.