MARCH Hockey Club’s top goalscorer has issued a heartfelt apology to his team-mates after he was hit with almost a year-long ban for lashing out at an opponent.

Brian Fox was given a straight red card after he reacted angrily to an off-the-ball incident during March III 5-4 victory over rivals Wisbech II.

The 24-year-old forward, who plays in the third team alongside his father, Stuart, and his younger brother, Toby, has been banned from playing hockey by the club until January 1st. But the ban could be extended if the Hockey Association decide further action is necessary.

Fox, who picked up a 90-day ban for a similar incident last season, said: “I’ve let my mates down, I’ve let my dad down and I’ve let my club down.

“I’m sorry for my actions and I know I shouldn’t have done it. I deserved it. I will take the blame and I will take the consequences.

“I’m planning to give up hockey for now - this has forced me into it. I have been playing since the age of five. Hockey has been a big part of my life and it’s gutting not to have that any more.”

Fox was given his marching orders during the derby game on February 19 when he retaliated after tangling with a Wisbech player - who was also given a green card.

“I knew I’d got a red card,” said Fox, who has been playing for March for eight years and is leading the club’s scoring charts with 17 goals this season. “I walked straight off the pitch and didn’t even see the card itself because the referee was behind me.

“I’m quite hot-headed but I normally try to channel that towards getting goals. I can see myself getting back into hockey in the future when I sort my temper out. It’s not an excuse to stop playing, it’s just something I’ve got to do.”

Neil Liversedge, chairman of March Hockey Club, said the club’s disciplinary committee had extended the mandatory 120-day ban in order to “support the spirit of the game”.

He said: “It’s a serious thing and we have to make sure that during the game the players play by the rules. Unfortunately when they break them we have to take a harsh stance.