Frank McAvennie forced to apologise after labelling Celtic player’s decision to miss games after his father’s death as ‘woke nonsense’
Former Scotland forward Frank McAvennie has apologised after describing Auston Trusty’s extended absence following his father’s death as ‘woke nonsense’.
Trusty announced the death of his father Walt last month, with the United States’ international sharing a touching tribute on Instagram.
The 28-year-old has since sat out matches against Celta Vigo, Hibernian, Dundee United and Falkirk.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, speaking prior to the match against Falkirk on Sunday, confirmed Trusty was still yet to return as he was ‘celebrating the life of his dad’.
Celtic subsequently fell to a shock 2-0 defeat to Falkirk, with O’Neill’s side having won just one of their four matches in Trusty’s absence.
McAvennie, who scored 37 goals in 85 games across two spells with Celtic, questioned the length of Trusty’s absence following the bereavement.
Auston Trusty has missed Celtic’s last four matches following the death of his father last month
Ex-Celtic forward Frank McAvennie has apologised after labelling Trusty’s absence as ‘woke’ on his podcast as he claimed the defender had to ‘get on with it’. (Source: Let Me Be Frank podcast)
‘I’ve got every respect for that, but how long do you want off?’ McAvennie said on his Let Me Be Frank Podcast.
‘Martin says he’s away to celebrate the life of his dad. Celebrate the life? You’ve got football. You’re getting paid and we’re in trouble. How long is it going to be?
‘It’s the woke brigade now, isn’t it? It’s nonsense. My dad was the best man, the only man I looked up to when he died, but you’ve got to get on with it.’
McAvennie has since apologised after a backlash to his remarks, with the 66-year-old admitting ‘I should have chosen my words more carefully.’
‘I’ve seen some of the reaction to comments I made on the podcast about Auston’s absence from football following the death of his father,’ McAvennie said.
‘I can understand why people feel my comments were insensitive, and looking back, I should have chosen my words more carefully.
‘Everyone deals with grief differently, and I certainly meant no disrespect to Auston or his family.
‘Celtic need the big man back, and that’s what I was clumsily trying to say. I wish him and his family all the very best.’
Despite their recent run of form, Celtic are currently four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, although nearest rivals Rangers have a game in hand.
O’Neill’s side are next in action in the Europa League on Thursday when they face Turkish side Besiktas.
Celtic have lost all three of the league phase matches in the competition so far this season.
