Thatcher sends written apology to Mendes
Thursday, 24 August 2006 16:53Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher has sent a written apology to Pedro Mendes after the Portsmouth midfielder was hospitalised by his challenge at Eastlands last night.
Thatcher was booked by match referee Dermot Gallagher but could face further sanction from the Football Association, and the Greater Manchester Police are also investigating the incident.
The 30-year-old City defender has sought to atone for the challenge, where he led with his forearm, by writing to Mendes personally.
'Manchester City can confirm that Ben Thatcher has personally written a letter to Pedro Mendes to apologise to him following the tackle in the match last night,' a statement on the club's official website www.mcfc.co.uk read.
'Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has this morning telephoned Portsmouth's chief executive Peter Storrie to enquire about Pedro's health.
'The two clubs share an excellent relationship and everyone at Manchester City, especially Ben himself, wishes him the very best.'
Thatcher added: 'Immediately after the game I tried to find out how Pedro was. I have written to him today apologising for what happened.'
The club's statement continued: 'The club does not condone such action and the matter has been dealt with internally by Stuart Pearce.'
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