Ex-Aberdeen FC star Shay Logan has spoken out after a video showed him being racially abused during a violent street brawl.
The clip was widely circulated online and showed the 34-year-old exchanging punches outside a chip shop in the Granite City on Friday night.
The defender has now issued a statement on social media and said that while he does not condone violence, he reacted in order to ‘protect’ himself after being ‘provoked’.
He said: “In regards to a video that has been circulating from Friday night, I feel it’s necessary for me to share a brief insight into the events.
“Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not condone violence, neither do I go looking for it. “However, when provoked, I am going to stand up for myself, I am a human being like everyone else.
“When approached on Friday night, it was clear the (boy/man/lad) had an issue with me and repeatedly abused me verbally, which I did not retaliate to initially.
“Later, when he tried to physically attack me, I reacted in order to protect myself. Just because I am a footballer doesn’t mean uncalled for abuse is acceptable.
“I should be able to walk down the street without getting abused for no reason. I’m not just a footballer, I’m a human being before anything.”
It is understood trouble flared when Logan clashed with a group of men while he was out with teammates.
Violent footage shows the defender dropping to one knee before recovering to gain the upper hand over his rival.
An onlooker can be heard shouting a vile racist slur while the pair throw punches.
Another man stepped in to split them up after they stumbled from the pavement to the middle of the road.
Logan’s name can be heard being shouted numerous times by the person thought to be recording the incident.
Logan, who also played for Man City and Brentford, signed for Cove Rangers last year.
The Aberdeenshire club, which won the League One title last season, declined to comment.
Police Scotland said they had no record of the street brawl but a club source said officers were investigating the incident.
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