MOSCOW, May 19 (RIA Novosti) - Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has apologized to coach Harry Redknapp for refusing to join his teammates on the bench after being substituted during Saturday's match against Manchester City.
Pavlyuchenko was substituted in the 74th minute of the game, which Tottenham won 2-1, and stormed off the pitch straight to the dressing room instead of watching the rest of the match from the bench.
"During the game I had a couple of chances to score but I didn't take those chances, so I was angry at myself when I came off the pitch, not at the decision to replace me," Pavlyuchenko was quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.
"I know it was not my best performance, but I blame myself for that and nobody else. I did not mean to cause offence with my actions and I apologize to my teammates, the coaching staff and the supporters, who have treated me so well since I arrived."
Redknapp labeled the Russian's behavior "disrespectful."
Pavlyuchenko has scored 14 goals in his first season at the club since signing from Spartak Moscow last August. However, his future at the club is unclear, with reports in the British media suggesting Redknapp may look to sell the striker in the close season.
