Ipswich midfielder David Norris has apologised over his controversial goal celebration in Saturday's 1-0 win over Blackpool. He has been fined by the club after celebrating the goal with what appeared to be a "handcuff" gesture in support of former Plymouth team-mate Luke McCormick.

Former Argyle goalkeeper McCormick is serving seven years and four months for causing the deaths of Arron Peak, 10, and his brother Ben, eight, in a car accident when he was under the influence of alcohol this summer on his way home from Norris' wedding.

Norris' celebration sparked outrage, with the children's mother calling for the midfielder to be banned, and the English Football Association have written to the former Bolton trainee to seek an explanation.

In a statement, Norris said: "I would like to reiterate my wholehearted apology for the upset my goal celebration at Blackpool has caused.

"I would like to stress that I made no handcuff gesture or personal message to Luke McCormick.

"I can now see how my actions have been misinterpreted and for that and any distress that this has caused the Peak family I am truly sorry. I would never act so insensitively after such a tragedy.
 
"When I woke up to the media coverage's interpretation of the celebration I was obviously very upset. People who know me know I'm a decent family man and I would never do anything intentionally to upset another family.

"I have heard the comments from the Peak family since the club issued a statement and I would like to thank them for their understanding.

"I will be contacting the family in the near future to speak to them personally and I would also like to apologise to Ipswich Town Football Club for the embarrassment caused."

As well as the fine, Norris has "written a personal and private letter of regret" to the boys' parents, while the Coca-Cola Championship club will make a donation equal to the fine imposed on the player to charity.