McPhail issues apology for seeing red but is he is denial?

In an unusual move, although clearly feeling the wrath of Cardiff fans for his idiotic red card costing City a likely win at Swansea, Steve McPhail has issued a personal apology on the Cardiff City website for his actions.

McPhail's apology
http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1473434,00.html

A past McPhail red card pictured - oops, he did it again

McPhail, City's skipper in that game, kicked the ball 40 yards away on halfway after the whistle was blown when already on a yellow card at a time The Bluebirds were in a 2-1 second half lead and in complete control of the Liberty Stadium encounter. It was the second time McPhail was sent off at Swansea this season - having received two silly yellow cards in the early season Carling Cup tie - and came after the Irish one footed midfielder issued a pre-game notice that he was out to make amends for that night and his red card which would never happen again in a derby. Talk about famous last words.

McPhail must have been acutely aware of City fans venting their spleens about his actions coming in a game that matters more than most to them, some even thinking it is time we looked for chance in a central midfield combo of Rae and McPhail that has under-performed all season. I'd include myself in that number as I cannot recall a single stand out McPhail game this term but more than a few anonymous ones. His apology is heartening. Credit to the player for that but does he really believe his weekend antics were 'out of character'?

A look at his Bluebirds record reveals that the player now has 4 red cards and 15 yellow cards in 115 Cardiff City outings and has experienced at least 2 suspensions every season at the club. Those who watch him will know that a majority have come from poor, niggly or late tackles and general frustration. Some players are like that, McPhail is certainly one of them although, his first two red cards at the club were due to a harsh decision at Colchester and some play-acting by a player at Stoke.

However what happened last Sunday suggests that he isn't really learning. As an experienced pro and the team's captain, it just wasn't good enough. If the player remains with the club, we can only pray he's learned a lesson the hardest way possible if/when he regains his place and knuckles down to play the type of football that he used to but which has not been evident this term.

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