|
The 26-year-old claims that he is not a racist and that the incident only occured because he was still pumped up for the game.
In attempt to make up for his stupid and irresponsible actions Mackie is to donate two weeks of his wages to the Lets Kikc Racism Out Of Football.
It is alleged that the centre-back, unhappy at an incident earlier in the game got involved in a scuffle in the tunnel with Asaba and made racist remarks before the incident continued when the players returned to warm down.
Yesterday, the South Yorkshire side confirmed that they would quite-rightly report Mackie to the FA and PFA for his comments.
Reading a very wooden sounding statement at a press conference Mackie said: "I would like to apoligise publically for the comment I made to Asaba after the game which I now appreciate may have caused racial offence. I made the comment when I was still pumped up after the game, during which I had a tussle with Carl.
"I deeply regret making the comments and I know that I have let myself and Reading Football Club down.
"I wish I could turn back the clock, but I cannot and all I can do it apoligise unreservedly to Carl Asaba and everyone else for my comment. I can assure you that I will never make another such comment."
Despite the apology, Mackie, who started the season as club captain, will have a lot to do to win back the support of the Reading faithful. Racism does not belong in football and the Royals number six is still likely to face a suspension for his ill-thought out actions.