Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has apologised for headbutting Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross during Saturday's draw at the Britannia Stadium.
Fellaini went unpunished at the time by referee Mark Halsey for the offence, but he is expected to be charged by the Football Association in the coming days.
"I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my teammates and to our fans at the game," the Belgian said in a statement on Everton's official website.
"There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn't feel I was getting any protection from the officials.
"Nevertheless I know I shouldn't have done what I did.
"I have also apologised to the manager and the staff. I have no excuses, I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me."
Toffees boss David Moyes said after the 1-1 draw that Fellaini deserves to be banned for the incident.
Jack Prescott
