Melbourne City FC would like to issue the following statement in relation to and on behalf of the Club’s A-League goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis regarding remarks the player directed at a Melbourne Victory opponent during a match on Saturday 4 February 2017.

Melbourne City offered an immediate apology to Melbourne Victory for the player’s actions and will make a formal apology to Melbourne Victory and the player today.

Bouzanis admitted making the remarks out of ignorance; however, has since understood the seriousness of his comments.

Once informed of the gravity of his actions, Bouzanis committed to redressing the offence at the earliest opportunity.

As such, he will issue a formal and personal apology to the player and begin an appropriate educational course to rectify the gaps in his understanding.

The Club regrets the incident and any offence caused.