England fly-half Danny Cipriani says he is "truly sorry" about the incident which led to him pleading guilty to charges of common assault and resisting arrest.
Cipriani has been fined £2,000 by a Jersey Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay £250 compensation for the bruised neck suffered by a woman police officer during the confrontation at the Royal Yacht Hotel in St Helier on Wednesday.
"I want to start with a heartfelt apology. To my club, team-mates, supporters and most importantly the police," Cipriani said in a statement released on his Twitter account.
Cipriani called for perspective on the severity of the incident.
"They have a tough and vital job and I'm mortified that, earlier this week, I acted in a way that I hugely regret. I am truly sorry," Cipriani said.
"I would also like to put on record the words of the Magistrate Sarah Fitz who publicly stated that 'it was a minor incident' and 'a fine is more than sufficient'.
"I was wrong to argue with a bouncer, and pull on his camera tie. I was also wrong to resist arrest.
"This is why I pleaded guilty to these two charges and all other charges were dropped by the prosecution."
Cipriani explained the reason why he resisted arrest.
"I was initially confused as to why I was being arrested by three officers," Cipriani said.
"This led me to react in the wrong manner for a matter of seconds, seeking to hold off the police officers rather than accepting their decision.
"It goes without saying, given the words of the magistrate, that I didn't strike anyone or initiate aggression in any way.
"I was on a team night out with the whole squad. I am grateful to the club, who have been fully supportive.
"I would like to publicly thank the magistrate and the police and, once again, apologise both to them and to the public."
Follow Sporting Life on social media - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLife
Related rugby union links
