Conor McGregor apologises for altercation with referee

MMA star Conor McGregor has apologised for his behaviour after being involved in an angry altercation with a referee at a recent Bellator event in Dublin.

The Irishman was at the event in the 3Arena on Friday night to watch teammate Charlie Ward take on John Redmond.

McGregor then ended up leaping into the octagon to celebrate with Ward moments after he produced a first round knockout to take the win.

Referee Marc Goddard took exception to McGregor’s actions and ordered him out of the octagon.

That in turn angered McGregor, who went after the ref before eventually being escorted out.

In a post on Instagram, McGregor said: “While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line.”

McGregor claimed the referee “was making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the floor and force the fight to continue into the second round”.

He added: “After witnessing my fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I lost it and overreacted.

"I am sorry to everyone …

"I’ve always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.”