Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has apologised for questioning Auston Trusty’s decision to remain away from football following the death of his father, Walt, after facing criticism over his remarks.
The 66-year-old sparked backlash after describing the defender’s extended absence as “woke nonsense” during an episode of his Let Me Be Frank podcast.
McAvennie questioned how long Trusty intended to stay away from the team, arguing that Celtic needed the player to return amid their ongoing difficulties.
Speaking on the podcast, he acknowledged the defender’s bereavement but questioned the length of his absence.
“I’ve got every respect for that, but how long do you want off?” McAvennie said.
He also criticised the decision to prioritise celebrating his father’s life over returning to football, adding that players had to continue with their responsibilities.
“It’s the woke brigade now, isn’t it? It’s nonsense. My dad was the best man, the only man I looked up to when he died, but you’ve got to get on with it,” he said.
Former Celtic Striker Issues Public Apology
Following the reaction to his comments, McAvennie released a statement acknowledging that his choice of words had been inappropriate.
He said he understood why people considered his remarks insensitive and admitted that he should have expressed himself differently.
“I’ve seen some of the reaction to comments I made on the podcast about Auston’s absence from football following the death of his father,” he said.
“I can understand why people feel my comments were insensitive, and looking back, I should have chosen my words more carefully.
“Everyone deals with grief differently, and I certainly meant no disrespect to Auston or his family.
“Celtic need the big man back, and that’s what I was clumsily trying to say. I wish him and his family all the very best.”
Trusty Misses Four Matches Following Father’s Death
Trusty announced the death of his father, Walt, last month through an emotional Instagram tribute.
The 28-year-old United States international paid tribute to his father’s guidance and dedication to their family, promising to spend the rest of his life making him proud.
Since the announcement, the defender has missed four Celtic fixtures against Celta Vigo, Hibernian, Dundee United and Falkirk.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill addressed the situation before Sunday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Falkirk, confirming that Trusty remained unavailable as he was “celebrating the life of his dad”.
Celtic subsequently suffered a 2-0 defeat against Falkirk, leaving O’Neill’s side with just one victory from the four matches played during Trusty’s absence.
McAvennie’s History With Celtic and West Ham
McAvennie enjoyed two spells at Celtic, scoring 37 goals in 85 appearances for the Scottish club.
He was part of the team that won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup during the 1987-88 season.
He also scored both goals in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final.
The former Scotland international also played for West Ham during two spells at the London club, helping the Hammers secure promotion in 1991.
In 2000, McAvennie sold medals from his playing career to Celtic-supporting businessman Lord Willie Haughey after experiencing financial difficulties.
That year, he appeared in court in connection with a drugs trial involving an alleged £110,000 supply of amphetamines and ecstasy.
He was cleared of conspiring to deal the drugs but pleaded guilty to cocaine possession, his second such offence.
He avoided imprisonment but received a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay court costs.
In a separate incident in 2009, McAvennie received a four-month suspended prison sentence after admitting to headbutting a 23-year-old man outside a bar on the Isle of Man following an altercation.
The former striker, who has previously spoken about mistakes during his career and expressed regret over his cocaine use, had his medals returned by Haughey in 2017.
Celtic Prepare for Europa League Fixture Against Besiktas
Despite their recent results, Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership, holding a four-point advantage over Rangers, who have a game in hand.
O’Neill’s team will next turn their attention to the Europa League, where they are scheduled to face Turkish side Besiktas on Thursday.
Celtic have lost all three of their league-phase fixtures in the competition so far this season.
