Stoke captain says he forgives Fuller

EAST LONDON, England (CMC):

Stoke City captain Andy Griffin is insisting he has forgiven his Jamaican team-mate Ricardo Fuller for their bust-up late last month, Sky Sports reported yesterday.

Griffin says he has moved past the incident that saw Fuller slap him in the face after a heated confrontation over a goal Stoke conceded against West Ham.

"I would like to take the opportunity to assure the fans there is no problem between the two of us," Griffin said in the Sky report.

Fuller is currently suspended after receiving a red card for hitting Griffin in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on 28th December.

No longer an issue

The incident was triggered when an incensed Fuller confronted Griffin supposedly about how he was unable to stop West Ham's Carlton Cole from evading him to score an equaliser early in the second half.

Fuller subsequently apologised and Griffin hopes the clash will no longer be an issue between them.

Sky said the captain is adamant he holds no grudge against the Jamaica international, who it was rumoured could be sold in the January transfer window as a result of the spat.

"It was a heat-of-the-moment argument because we were both frustrated at conceding a goal.

"Matters were settled after the game and everything has been resolved. I hope that will be the end of the matter," Griffin said.