McGregor apologises for shoving official at Bellator 187

Dublin, November 15: Conor McGregor has apologised for shoving an official during Bellator 187.

UFC lightweight champion McGregor leapt into the cage to celebrate with Charlie Ward following his victory over John Redmond.

Referee Marc Goddard attempted to remove the Irishman from the octagon and was pushed in response. McGregor then chased Goddard across the canvas as he tended to Redmond and had to be held back by security as he shouted and pointed at the referee.

The MMA superstar said he "lost it and overreacted" after he saw the official trying to pick up a knocked-out fighter, appearing to recall the death of Joao Carvalho following his TKO loss to Ward in 2016.

Madness in Dublin thanks to @TheNotoriousMMA!!! DO NOT miss #Bellator187 TONIGHT on @spike 9/8c pic.twitter.com/BGWcOBDvFb
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 10, 2017

"I sincerely apologise for my behaviour at last weekend's fight event in Dublin," McGregor wrote. "While trying to support a loyal team-mate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line.

"The referee Marc Goddard 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. Even against the wishes of the said fighter's coach. The fight was over.

"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 sincerely apologize for my behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line. As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard. The referee Marc Godard 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. Even against the wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over. 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 over reacted. I am sorry to everyone. I sincerely apologize to the Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John, two stonch ones that put up a great fight every time. That side will always have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love yous all! I’ve always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.

A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Nov 14, 2017 at 9:48am PST