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Former Cardiff City player Jack Simpson has "unreservedly" apologised to the team-mate victim of his racist language that brought the defender a six-game ban and £8,000 fine.

The incident happened while Simpson, 26, was still with the Bluebirds.

"I stand against racism in all forms and what was said on that day does not, I believe, reflect my beliefs or my character," said Simpson.

He added: "I love the game and I hope to play it again professionally."

Simpson, a free agent after leaving Cardiff in August 2023, says he has apologised "in private" to his victim.

"It is important now, after the publication of the Football Association commission decision into the matter, that I do so [apologise] publicly to [his victim] and to all those who are rightly hurt by the nature of my comment.

"I hope this message conveys how strongly I feel about my mistake and how I intend to own it, and emerge as a better person."

The FA says the incident took place during Cardiff's pre-season trip to Portugal.

Simpson must also undergo "face-to-face education" after breaching FA rule E3 for misconduct with his racist abuse also deemed an "aggravated breach" of the governing bodies rules.

Cardiff have not commented.

The club announced that Simpson had left by mutual consent prior to the closure of the summer transfer window.

Weymouth-born Simpson came through the ranks at Bournemouth, scoring once in 35 senior appearances - which included 11 Premier League games - for the Cherries before joining Rangers in 2021.

He played 14 times for the Scottish giants prior to moving to Cardiff for an undisclosed fee in August 2022.

He left Cardiff despite having another year to run on his contract.