Hartson offers apology for Cup dismissal

John Hartson yesterday issued an apology to Celtic and the club's fans for his sending-off in the Scottish Cup victory at Aberdeen last week – but confessed that he cannot help but "kick himself in the teeth".

The Welsh international striker was needlessly dismissed by referee Hugh Dallas for lashing out at Jamie McAllister with a semi-final place already secured and was fined by angry manager Martin O'Neill.

Hartson – who has scored 19 goals since moving from Coventry City – was more annoyed with himself at missing two home games, but admits that he is his own worst enemy.

"It always seems to be the case that whenever I am doing really well and reach the top I kick myself in the teeth," he said. "A red mist came over me and it just happened. It was in no way premeditated, but I cannot condone what I did. I just lashed out.

"I couldn't actually see what I was kicking, but I made contact and it's disappointing because now I have to miss not just two games, but two home games in which I feel I could have added to my goal tally.

"I'll accept whatever punishment I get and take it on the chin. It interrupts my momentum because I feel as though I'm training well, I'm injury free and my body is in the best shape it has been for some time. I feel ready to march on. It's a real setback for me, but I'm determined to put it behind me."

Hartson had only been booked this term four times prior to Pittodrie and reckons he was finally beginning to lose his bad-boy tag.

The 26-year-old came to Scotland with a reputation after some unsavoury incidents south of the border – including his bust-up with Eyal Berkovic at West Ham – but has vowed to make a concerted effort to improve his behaviour.

"I've only picked up four yellow cards this season so I don't think anyone can question the fact that I've been trying hard to get rid of that side of my game," Hartson told the Celtic View.

"If anything I've been the opposite. I think players expected me to be more aggressive because they had seen me play at other clubs. When I came here I surprised people that I wasn't that fiery.

"As I've grown in confidence with my goals and my performances I've come out of my shell and I'm ready to go again. Given the failed medicals, the Berkovic affair, the sending-offs and everything else, I think that this little incident is just a blip and I'll shake it off."

Hartson can play in Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox with his side looking to cement their bid for the title with a victory. Alan Thompson might not be so lucky, and will find out today at a Scottish Football Association hearing if his appeal against his sending off in the league game against Aberdeen last week has been a success.