Wangaratta Rover Alex Marklew says sorry for expletive-ridden rant

The video was shot last Friday where Marklew took aim at the umpire after he was charged with striking in the final minutes of the game against Wodonga the previous week.

The charge was dismissed at the tribunal on Wednesday night.

When contacted Monday morning, Marklew admitted he had no idea of the drama it would cause.

"As soon as somebody mentioned to me I should take it down, I did straight away," he revealed.

He was then quizzed if he would apologise for his actions.

"100 per cent, I apologise, my heart sank (once I realised the extent of the issue)," he explained.

The 25-year-old admits the initial report had knocked him.

"I haven't been in the right head space, I'm struggling a bit," he offered.

The Border Mail has elected not to publish the video, given its graphic content.

Marklew is known as one of the great characters at the Hawks and presents a weekly video with his humourous take on the game.

But he admits this 'joke' backfired.

"I've been doing the videos the last year and a half, I do them for a bit of a laugh, I wasn't being serious, it's just a joke," he suggested.

"It's nothing personal, I didn't think anything of it."

Club president Wally Pasquali was bitterly disappointed with the comments.

"They were silly and inappropriate, we don't support any criticism of officials," he said.

"Umpiring is a tough predicament, we don't have them coming through the ranks and to improve that situation, we feel as a club this doesn't help at all."

Rovers will work with the O and M, which confirmed on Monday afternoon it was investigating the matter.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Rovers host Lavington on Saturday.

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