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Former national soccer coach Kevin Fallon has sent an "unreserved apology" to Auckland Grammar, after suggesting its soccer team pulled out of a cup final against his schoolboy side so they wouldn't lose.
The apology from the Mt Albert Grammar School football academy director said: "I have never known an Auckland Grammar team that were anything other than brave, skilful and proud to play for their school."
It was sent to Auckland Grammar and read out at the school's assembly yesterday morning.
Auckland Grammar defaulted the Knockout Cup final - a showpiece on the school sporting calendar set down for yesterday - after a brawl during a match between the two teams at a separate competition in Napier last week.
Fallon told the Herald earlier this week that his Mt Albert Grammar side had a superior record and questioned if that was Auckland Grammar's motivation for defaulting.
"Maybe they don't want to get beaten, I don't know. They've been beaten three times this year [by MAGS] - maybe they don't want a fourth one," he said at the time.
Mt Albert Grammar headmaster Dale Burden said the school apologised for the coach's comments, which did not represent MAGS' view.
"Mt Albert Grammar School completely respects and accepts the reasons for Auckland Grammar School not playing in the Knock Out Cup final. Mt Albert Grammar School values its traditional relationship with Auckland Grammar School, especially on the sports field where all teams from both schools share the same ethos of determination and pride."
Mr Burden said Fallon had been instructed not to talk to the media on the matter.
"Unfortunately on this one occasion he has and he understands fully that there will be consequences of this."
Meanwhile, talks as to whether the cup final match can still go ahead will be held next week.
College Sport chief executive Manoj Daji said Mr Burden and Auckland Grammar headmaster John Morris were due to go into mediation.
A separate meeting with the principals and representatives from College Sport and the Auckland Secondary Schools Football Association was scheduled for Wednesday next week.
