HARRIERS' boss Mark Yates has broken his silence to publicly apologise for the incident at the end of last week's 2-0 Aggborough defeat against fellow play-off chasers Exeter City.

In a statement issued on the club's website today ,Yates, who was charged with misconduct by the FA following an altercation with Exeter's Lee Elam, said he had "learned a lot from the regrettable incident".

The full statement read: "As many people know now, I have been charged by the Football Association following an incident after the Exeter City game.

"Although I am unable to comment in any detail on the incident that occurred after the final whistle pending the outcome of the FA charge I feel that after a horrible week some kind of public statement and apology is necessary.

"I would like to publicly apologise to my family, Exeter City and Lee Elam, the directors and officials at Kidderminster Harriers, as well as both sets of supporters for my actions.

"Kidderminster Harriers is a family club and I am a family man, and my actions were out of keeping with my character.

"The frustration and pressure of job is no excuse but I am a young manager and have learned a lot from this regrettable incident.

"In the meantime, after a great result on Saturday and a semi-final of the Trophy to look forward to, I would like to concentrate on the team and the rest of the season.

"I am grateful to both clubs, my players and Lee Elam for their understanding and professionalism in handling this matter and I wish Exeter and Lee all the best for the rest of the season.

"I hope everyone can respect that I cannot make any further comment at this stage, that the FA and I can deal with the incident in private and that it is not allowed to affect the team or the rest of the season going forward."