Leigh Griffiths apologises for kicking flare at St Johnstone fans

Leigh Griffiths has issued an apology for kicking a flare at St Johnstone fans during a game on Wednesday night.

Footage from Dens Park shows a burning blue bomb landing on the pitch before the Dundee striker, on loan from Celtic, launches it back into the crowd.

Police are investigating the incident which took place during Dundee’s defeat in the Premier Sports Cup.

Griffiths has now apologised in a statement released through the club.

The 31-year-old said: “It was regrettable that the pyrotechnic ended up back in the stand as my intention was just to remove it from the pitch.

“Having just lost a goal I was eager to get the match restarted as quickly as possible and I would like to apologise for any distress caused by this action.”

The club added: “Following the opening goal a smoke generator, amongst other items, was thrown onto the park by the visiting supporters.

“This pyrotechnic ended up back in the stand as Leigh kicked it to remove it from the field of play.

“The club will be making no further comment on this situation.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving a small number of smoke devices at Dens Park, during the match between Dundee and St Johnstone Football Clubs on Wednesday, 22 September.

“There were no injuries and no complaints have been made to police at this stage. Enquiries into the matter are ongoing.”