Soccer coach apologizes for expletive-laden rant
Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke is apologizing for a profane rant that he went on following a loss to Minnesota United on Saturday.
Petke’s side fell by the final of 3-2 in what was their 20th match of the MLS season, and he went off afterwards as he addressed reporters. The expletive-laden episode saw the 42-year-old ripping what he saw as uneven officiating (including the use of the video assistant referee or VAR) before daring the league and executive Jeff Agoos to fine him.
WATCH: Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke did not hide his frustrations following his side's loss to Minnesota United!
We suspect there will be a fine coming his way… pic.twitter.com/jyUOoN2vAC
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2018
On Sunday, Petke took to Twitter to apologize publicly for the tirade, calling it “uncalled for and immature.”
After 0 hours sleep last night and a long day, I have re-examined my comments after the game and I feel an apology is in order so here it is. I apologize to my organization, MLS, the supporters all around the league and my family FOR CURSING on air.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) July 16, 2018
That was uncalled for and immature of me. It was in the heat of the moment and I will try not to let it happen again, no matter how worked up I get
— @petkemike (@petkemike) July 16, 2018
Petke, a former player who previously managed the New York Red Bulls and was just hired by Real Salt Lake in March, is known for his fiery approach to the game.
While the league will almost assuredly take Petke up on the offer to fine him, at least this wasn’t as bad as another soccer coach’s incident with the media.