McGregor ‘regrets actions’ that led to court appearance

Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has appeared in court in New York for a brief hearing on charges stemming from a backstage melee that was caught on camera.

The 29-year-old Dubliner was joined at Brooklyn courthouse by friend and co-defendant Cian Cowley.

The pair have been free on bail and took a private jet together to the US from the Republic of Ireland for the hearing.

The charges arose from an incident during which McGregor hurled a trolley at a bus full of MMA fighters after a news conference for the UFC 223 event at the Barclays Centre in April.

Two fighters hurt by broken glass, Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg, were unable to compete.

McGregor, who had been in Belfast at the weekend for a fight event at the SSE Arena, spoke briefly outside the court on Thursday.

After the hearing that lasted less than 60 seconds, he told the huge crowd of waiting press: “I regret my actions that led me here today.

“I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful that it gets resolved soon.”

He and Cowley remain free on bail and a prosecutor said plea negotiations are continuing to try to resolve the charges.