John Sheridan apologies for shocking rant after threatening to ‘knock out’ fourth official and swearing 11 times


JOHN SHERIDAN has apologised for a shocking rant at officials in which he swore 11 times.

A transcript of the Oldham manager’s foul-mouthed tirade during last month’s 2-0 loss at Wycombe Wanderers – while he was in charge of Notts County – was revealed last week.

John Sheridan has apologised for his incredible rant in which he swore 11 times
John Sheridan has apologised for his incredible rant in which he swore 11 times
Getty Images

Sheridan, 52, was subsequently banned for five matches.


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During the expletive-laden outburst, Sheridan threatened to “knock out” fourth official Matthew Donohue and told referee Eddie Ilderton his children would go wanting at Christmas thanks to him.

Sheridan said: “Of course I’ve got regrets. I don’t want people looking at and reading that.

“I should not be using language like that – I have children at home and I regret it.”

A transcript of John Sheridan's foul-mouthed tirade at officials was released this week
A transcript of John Sheridan’s foul-mouthed rant at officials was released this week
PA:Press Association

According to a document released by the FA Sheridan, who was later sacked by Notts County, told the ref: “My kids aren’t going to get any f****** Christmas presents because of you.”

He then told the fourth official: “You really are a c***. I’m gonna knock you out you c***.”

Ilderton’s report added: “In the 55th minute fourth official Matthew Donohue informed me that Notts County manager John Sheridan should be removed from the technical area for his behaviour towards himself.

John Sheridan is said to have shouted at referee Eddie Ilderton: "My kids aren't going to get any f****** Christmas presents because of you
John Sheridan is said to have shouted at referee Eddie Ilderton: “My kids aren’t going to get any f****** Christmas presents because of you
Getty Images

“I then asked Mr Sheridan to leave the technical area, and take a place in the stands.

“Mr Sheridan then said to me ‘You’re a f****** disgrace, you f****** useless, you’ve not f****** got anything right today, you should be f****** ashamed, you’re f****** shit.”

Sheridan, who has taken over at Oldham for a third time, claims he immediately apologised after the match.

He said: “I went in straight after the game and apologised. Whether it made any difference, I don’t know.”

But Sheridan did admit he was under lots of stress at the time and feels the officials could have handled the situation better.

John Sheridan apologised for what he said but insists the officials could have handled the situation better
John Sheridan apologised for what he said but insists the officials could have handled the situation better
Getty Images

He explained: “I was managing a team near the bottom of the league and fighting for their lives and I think three big decisions were totally wrong.

“The fourth official, who was young, I felt he was actually winding me up and it wasn’t the right time for me to get wound up.

Sheridan added: “Listen, it doesn’t look nice. I respect people are trying to better in the dugout and it doesn’t come across well for me. I was just very frustrated but at the same time I don’t accept my language.”

The Oldham chief, whose side face Peterborough on Tuesday in a match that is free entry for fans, questioned why details of his rant have only just emerged.

He said: “It was six weeks ago. I don’t know why it’s not come out earlier. Someone is probably stirring one or two things but I’m not happy with myself and I should never have done it.”


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