SCOTTISH Football Association President George Peat has apologised to Chris Iwelumo after blaming him for scuppering Scotland's World Cup qualification hopes.
Peat claimed that had the Wolves striker not missed his infamous sitter in the goalless draw with Norway last October at Hampden, George Burley's men would have been in a stronger position to qualify for South Africa next summer than having to win their final two games against Macedonia and Holland to have any chance of a play-off spot.
In a statement issued by the SFA hours before the must-win game against Macedonia at Hampden, Peat said: "In trying to explain that there is such a fine line between success and failure in international football, I used the example of the Chris Iwelumo chance against Norway last October.
"The point that I was making was that just a few inches can often be the difference between a win and a draw.
"This has been taken as a criticism of the player and I do regret this. "It was not what I intended and I am sorry that it has come out this way.
"I apologise for this mistake and hope that everyone can now concentrate on the remainder of the campaign."
In a statement issued by the SFA hours before the must-win game against Macedonia at Hampden, Peat said: "In trying to explain that there is such a fine line between success and failure in international football, I used the example of the Chris Iwelumo chance against Norway last October.
"The point that I was making was that just a few inches can often be the difference between a win and a draw.
"This has been taken as a criticism of the player and I do regret this. "It was not what I intended and I am sorry that it has come out this way.
"I apologise for this mistake and hope that everyone can now concentrate on the remainder of the campaign."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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