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DUNDEE UNITED have moved to dismiss Gavin Gunning over his failure to deliver a heartfelt apology for his bizarre behaviour against Inverness.

Record Sport understands the defender’s departure from Tannadice, ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs, has taken another twist after he failed to show sufficient sincerity for his matchday actions.

However, it’s believed Gunning has now consulted with his agent and is refusing to quit with immediate effect, even though his contract only has six weeks to run.

Gunning picked up the ball and walked off the pitch during the 2-0 defeat on Saturday, which all but condemned his side to relegation, before returning to the field and sitting down to receive treatment on a knee injury.

The former Republic of Ireland under-21 starlet was offered the chance to say sorry earlier this week, but still refused to show enough contrition to satisfy club bosses.

It was the last straw for the Tannadice powers-that-be after Gunning was involved in another run-in United fans following a recent miss against St Johnstone.

United released a statement confirming his contract has been cancelled, but it’s believed Gunning is now seeking further advice amid concerns about his public portrayal, although he has not yet contacted PFA Scotland.

United’s statement said: “Gavin Gunning has left Dundee United by mutual consent. This is a private matter and the club will not make any further comment.”

(Image: SNS Group)

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has made 21 first team appearances in this campaign, arrived at United from Blackburn five years ago before making a move to Birmingham where a cruciate knee injury scuppered his chances of establishing himself at the midlands side.

Gunning then returned to Tannadice last November on a free following a spell at Oldham.

Gunning, a former Republic of Ireland U21 international, moved to United from Blackburn in 2011, playing for three seasons before departing for Birmingham.

A serious knee injury prevented him from making an impression for Birmingham and he returned to Tannadice as a free agent in November following a short stint at Oldham.

The loss of Gunning is another blow and unneeded distraction for a United side looking doomed for the drop as they trail 11th placed Kilmarnock by eight points on the back of a display against Inverness which boss Mixu Paatelainen as “diabolical”.