Reading lost 2-1 to Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Tuesday night.
It was a tight game, league leaders Boro only claimed the three points through a 95th minute winner from Adam Forshaw.
Though sitting comfortably in mid-table, neither in danger of relegation or holding hope of getting a play-off place, Reading still wanted the win the game.
That was especially evident in Reading captain Paul McShane.
With the game tied at 1-1 in the 83rd minute, McShane clashed with teammate Danny Williams. On Thursday, the pair were charged by the FA over the incident in which the Ireland international appeared to lean his head towards Williams. Video of the moment was replayed - in slow motion - throughout Wednesday on Sky Sports News.
In an interview, McShane rebuffed any suggestions that he had headbutted his teammate.
McShane has also issued an apology to Reading fans. He posted on Instagram last night:
I personally want to say how regretful I am of the incident on Tuesday night. I want to apologise to everyone involved with Reading FC especially the fans. Our passion and emotions spilled over for 2 seconds and we should have controlled ourselves better. Myself and Danny put the matter to bed straight after the game, it's unfortunate that it's now been dragged on for this long. I'm proud to be captain of this club and I apologise for letting you's all down. I'd like to move on now and look forward to get back playing.
Here's the tiff between McShane and Williams.
Reading team-mates Paul McShane and Danny Williams squared up to each other on the pitch last night. pic.twitter.com/yxVWod8hCy
— Spreadex (@spreadexsports) April 14, 2016
As on-pitch fights between teammates go, it's not as bad as Ricardo Fuller vs Andy Griffin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wxy4xNnA3Y
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
